Patients Need a Path Forward: 40 Patient Advocacy Orgs Urge Senate to Extend ACA Tax Credits

40 non-partisan, nonprofit organizations representing millions of patients with serious and chronic health conditions applaud the House for advancing a clean three-year reauthorization of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s enhanced advance premium tax credits. This vote marks an important first step for millions of people who rely on the exchange for high quality health insurance, but who have already seen their premiums spike.

“Thursday’s bipartisan vote in the House underscored a shared recognition that access to quality, affordable health insurance is essential for millions of families and individuals across the country – including those with serious and chronic health conditions. After months of Congressional inaction, patients have already run out of time and are looking to the Senate to swiftly follow suit and vote to reauthorize the enhanced tax credits.

“Our organizations continue to hear from families and individuals worried about their ability to afford skyrocketing premiums and some who are walking away from critical coverage entirely. Congress must intensify its efforts and reach an agreement before open enrollment closes on January 15.

“We appreciate that lawmakers from both parties recognize the urgency of extending the enhanced tax credits now that the 2026 plan year has begun but there is no time for further delays. We strongly caution against any proposals that would increase costs, reduce access to comprehensive coverage or create new financial barriers to care. These approaches are not adequate solutions and would only deepen affordability challenges.

“Time has run out for rhetoric without action. Patients living with serious and chronic conditions have already started the year with delays in care, higher costs, and increased uncertainty. The Senate must act now to restore the enhanced tax credits before more individuals also walk away from high-quality coverage.”

AiArthritis
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Diabetes Association
American Heart Association
American Kidney Fund
American Lung Association
Arthritis Foundation
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Autoimmune Association
Blood Cancer United
Cancer Nation
Cancer Support Community
CancerCare
Chronic Disease Coalition
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition
Epilepsy Foundation of America
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
Hemophilia Federation of America
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association
Immune Deficiency Foundation
Legal Action Center
Lupus Foundation of America
Lutheran Services in America
Muscular Dystrophy Association
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Bleeding Disorders Foundation
National Health Council
National Kidney Foundation
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
National Patient Advocate Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation
Pulmonary Hypertension Association
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America
Susan G. Komen
The AIDS Institute
The Coalition for Hemophilia B
UsAgainstAlzheimer's
ZERO Prostate Cancer