U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer enlisted the help of some New Yorkers who stand to face financial hardships — or no health insurance coverage — should tax credits under the Affordable Care Act be allowed to expire at the end of the year.
Jeremy Koulish, who joined the Democratic minority leader on a conference call on Thursday, said he lost his job with the U.S. Census Bureau in May, and the Affordable Care Act marketplace helped him get coverage.
But it was those premium tax credits that made the health insurance plan feasible for him.
"Without the federal help, I would be forced to pay as much as $1,200 a month more, or nearly $15,000 a year in higher premiums,” Koulish said.
Schumer agreed that many New Yorkers are facing thousands of dollars more in premiums.
"For most New Yorkers, that's $3,000 more a year, but for people close to the retirement age who haven't yet turned 65, it's tens of thousands,” Schumer said.
Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen the government until Republicans negotiate an extension of the expanded subsidies.
Republicans say they won’t negotiate until Democrats vote to reopen the government.
Schumer is calling on Republicans to come back to Washington and negotiate so families don’t face bankruptcy or go without health care.
