Healthcare prices for Central New Yorkers could be on the rise if the Affordable Care Act tax credits are not extended as open enrollment period looms.
Senator Chuck Schumer called out Republicans on the Senate floor Wednesday to end the healthcare crisis that he said they started. His greatest concern was for those who have to make critical choices when open enrollment begins in two weeks if the ACA tax credits are not extended. The ACA tax credits, which make healthcare more affordable, are set to expire at the end of the year, and they have been a major sticking point in ending the shut down.
“Right now, with the ACA tax credits, this healthcare plan, a bronze plan, is $282 a month. That's still a lot for a working family. It's a lot of money. It ends up coming close to $3,500 or $4,000 a year,” Schumer said, using the example of an average couple in Plattsburgh. “But that’s nothing compared to if these credits expire. If the tax credits expire, the same healthcare plan will go up to nearly $1,700 a month next year. That’s an extra $1,400 extra every single month – a 495% increase.”
Schumer added that Democrats are ready to negotiate with Republicans. He said they want to end the shutdown as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney continues to blame Democrats for the shutdown. She's concerned about effect of the shutdown on small businesses.
“The Democrat shutdown is not just hurting Washington. It is strangling Main Street, Tenney said in a press release. "Every day this continues, small businesses lose millions and families lose income."
She cited a White House Report stating small businesses could lose $30 million if the shutdown lasts a month or longer.
