Iowa (RI) — Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says the Senate should vote to end the government shutdown now and resolve the debate over extending insurance-related tax credits later. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene this afternoon.
Democrats have been demanding that Republicans agree to extend the tax credits Americans get when they buy health insurance policies through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Ernst says Republicans want to make sure that people who use the so-called ObamaCare program are supported.
In 2017, Ernst voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act and start a transition period to ensure people with pre-existing conditions are not denied coverage. This weekend, Ernst told reporters congress is on its way to figuring out a different model.
Over 24 million Americans got their current health care policy through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. Starting November 1st, six insurance companies will offer coverage to Iowans through the ACA for 2026. Experts predict premium costs will rise significantly for up to 130-thousand Iowans if the tax credits aren’t extended for individuals or families with incomes that are four times or more above the poverty line.
KIWA Staff Photo
