Over 200k Washingtonians’ Health Premiums Double Due to GOP Cuts
TL/DR –
A new report found that the refusal of the Trump administration and Republicans to extend the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium tax credits, in addition to $1 trillion cuts in health care, have caused health care premiums to double for over 200,000 people in Washington state. It revealed that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cut over $1 trillion from health care to fund tax breaks for the wealthy, led to 50,545 residents losing their Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage, and caused a $160 million funding loss for hospitals and clinics in the state. Furthermore, Washington state is expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion over the next decade due to these health care cuts.
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Health Care Cuts Impact Over 200,000 Washingtonians
Following cuts made to health care by Republicans just over a year ago, US Senator Patty Murray has released a statement in response to a report showing that these cuts, along with the refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits, have doubled premiums for over 200,000 people in Washington.
Senator Murray’s Statement
Murray accused Republicans of causing a nationwide health care crisis, leading to soaring costs and the closure of clinics. She further criticized their preference for providing tax breaks to billionaires and funding wars over supporting American citizens in affording their health care needs.
The Impact of Health Care Cuts
The report detailed the consequences of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which resulted in a $1 trillion cut in health care, funding tax breaks for the wealthy. This has led to a loss of Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA coverage for 50,545 Washingtonians and a doubling of premiums for 226,813 people. A family of four earning $130,000 annually had their average annual premium increase by $12,392, making their total expenses for the year $23,442.
The Financial Strain on Hospitals
Due to these cuts, hospitals and clinics in Washington state are staring at a $160 million funding shortfall and a 5.6% surge in uncompensated care. These establishments are expected to lose between $31 billion and $51 billion over the next decade. This has already impacted 37 hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Washington, resulting in announced cuts, at-risk statuses, or closures.
Nationwide Impact of Medicaid Cuts
At a national level, the Republican health care cuts represent a significant $400 billion hit to America’s hospitals. Over 170 rural hospitals are in danger of closure or service reduction. Washington state is among the states most at risk, with 22 hospitals in jeopardy. An estimated 477,000 health workers are expected to lose their jobs due to these cuts.
Effects of Not Extending ACA Tax Credits
Republicans’ refusal to extend ACA tax credits has been a contentious topic, with Senator Murray speaking out nonstop and urgently appealing for an extension. She even introduced legislation that, if passed, would have dealt with the health care crisis during the government shutdown last fall.
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