Medical Bills (Photo – ealthcarefinancenews)
Three weeks into the government shutdown, and more than a month since the House of Representatives last held a vote, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) is urging her Republican colleagues to return to Washington, reopen the government, and take immediate action to lower health care costs for millions of Americans.
By News Desk
“The consequences of this Republican-made health care crisis are growing more severe with each passing day,” said Rep. Chu. “Across the nation, families are seeing their premiums skyrocket out of control while community health centers and hospitals fight to keep their doors open, and House Republicans are nowhere to be found. It’s time for Republicans to return to Washington, end this reckless shutdown, and work with Democrats to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that millions—including tens of thousands in the San Gabriel Valley—depend on to afford care.”
According to Rep. Chu, 24 million Americans are now facing soaring premiums—some more than tripling—after Republicans chose to shut down the government rather than work with Democrats to lower health care costs. Half of all adults enrolled in ACA Marketplace plans are small business owners, self-employed workers, or employees of small businesses. The premium hikes come just months after what Democrats have dubbed the “Big Ugly Law,” a Republican-backed measure that removed 15 million Americans from insurance coverage, cut Medicaid funding, and weakened key Affordable Care Act protections to finance tax cuts for the wealthy.
In recent weeks, Rep. Chu has met directly with patients and providers affected by the crisis. On October 17, she visited Herald Christian Health Center in Rosemead, where she met with Mr. Lau, a patient advocate who credited expanded Medicaid coverage with saving his life after the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. The following day, she joined four “No Kings” rallies across Rancho Cucamonga, Sierra Madre, Pasadena, and Claremont, hearing from constituents struggling with steep premium increases.
One constituent, Carolyn from Claremont, a self-employed cancer survivor, said that her treatment costs are already high, and that the new premium increases make coverage unaffordable. Another, Jenny from Altadena, a single mother and small-business owner who lost her home in the Eaton Fire, said her premiums will rise from $350 to more than $800 for the same coverage, forcing her to consider dropping her insurance altogether.
Rep. Chu also visited Wesley Health Center in Pasadena on September 26 to meet with patients and health care workers affected by the recent cuts. One patient, Christopher, said he was only able to afford major surgery because of Medicaid coverage that is now at risk.
“Every day, thousands of people in my district are opening their mail, seeing their premiums double, and wondering if they’ll still be able to afford to see their doctor,” said Rep. Chu. “Meanwhile, Republicans refuse to come back from their month-long vacation, and President Trump is focused on tearing down the East Wing of the White House to build himself a $250 million ballroom. Enough is enough. Democrats are ready to reopen the government and bring down costs, and it’s time for Republicans to stop the excuses, end this crisis, and protect the people they serve.”
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