Becky Pringle President of National Education Association | Official Website
The U.S. Senate has voted 51-48 against extending the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits for another three years. The vote was largely divided along party lines, with Independents siding with Democrats and only four Republicans supporting the extension. As a result of this decision, premiums for approximately 20 million Americans are expected to more than double, and some states could see increases as high as 300 percent. By 2034, projections indicate that about 14 million additional people may be without health insurance.
In a separate move, the Senate also rejected the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, which was centered on health savings accounts and high-deductible insurance plans. This approach has faced criticism for being unaffordable for working families.
National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle commented on the Senate's actions:
“Children with health insurance miss fewer school days, are more likely to attend college, and earn more as adults. Yet Republicans chose to jeopardize the health and well-being of our students and communities while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy.
“At a time when families are already struggling to afford necessities, and when too many children lack reliable health care, this Trump-controlled Republican Congress has once again failed the American people.
“The impact will be devastating for students and educators. More than 10 percent of our education support professionals rely on Medicaid or ACA marketplace plans for their families’ health and stability. No family should face bankruptcy because they get sick. Protecting the health and safety of students, educators, and communities must be a national priority.
“No matter their race, background, or ZIP code, every person deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care. Educators and parents will not forget who abandoned their communities—we will continue to organize, speak out, and demand accountability.”
The National Education Association represents nearly three million teachers and other education professionals across the United States.
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