On Dec. 31, the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) subsidies will end, because a reauthorization was not included in the “Big Beautiful Bill” that passed in July.

If these subsidies expire, about 5 million people will lose their ACA coverage, and premiums for 20 million more will likely increase by an average of 114%, causing many individuals to stop their insurance.

With fewer people accessing health care coverage due to cost, everybody’s premiums will increase and hospitals will incur a significant increase in charity care.

As a retired couple not yet Medicare eligible, my husband and I have been informed of a 300% increase with a monthly premium of $2,061 for an all UPMC in-network plan on the ACA Marketplace.

For many families, more than 25% of their income will go toward health care costs.

The enhanced premium tax credits were introduced in 2021 to better meet the needs of more Americans as part of the American Recovery Act and the Inflation Reduction Act due to the effects of COVID on the economy.

During this time period, health care costs have risen substantially, making health care out of reach for the average family without the subsidies.

The Senate vote is slated for the second week of December. There has been no commitment from the Republicans to vote on it in the House, if it passes the Senate.

I urge you to contact Senators Fetterman (202-224-4254) and McCormick (814-357-0314), and Rep. Joyce (814-484-6020) to voice your concern about this important issue.

Linda Cubbison

Bedford