U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette warns of rising health care costs as Colorado health insurers hike ACA premiums by 11% next year.
Colorado health insurers are increasing Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums by 11% next year, a move that U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette says is a direct result of federal cuts. DeGette noted that the premium hike follows a previous 28% increase caused by the administration's efforts to reduce federal health care assistance. During the administration's tenure, congressional Republicans cut $1 trillion from Medicaid to provide tax breaks for billionaires. These cuts, combined with the expiration of ACA premium support, are expected to leave 5 million more Americans without coverage. While Colorado established a state-funded program to mitigate these impacts, it has not fully offset the federal reductions. DeGette urged Congress to stabilize the health care market by extending ACA premium support. She emphasized that a long-term solution requires addressing the underlying issues of the entire health care system, including payers, providers, and manufacturers, to ensure quality care for all Americans.