Virginians Strongly Favor Healthcare Tax Credit Extension
TL/DR –
Virginia voters are upset with the expected rate increases for health insurance due to the non-extension of tax credits by Republicans in Congress. More than 100,000 people in Virginia could lose coverage as a result of this non-extension. Additionally, Virginians have expressed opposition to the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law by President Donald Trump, which includes significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and funding cuts amounting to roughly $1 trillion over a decade.
“`html
Frustration Mounts in Virginia Over Health Insurance Rate Hikes
Virginia residents express their discontentment over upcoming health insurance price increases, attributing the hikes to legislative inaction by congressional Republicans on tax credit extensions. As per a fresh public opinion survey from Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy, an overwhelming majority—75 percent to 19 percent—are calling on Congress to prolong these tax credits.
The expired premium tax credits were originally designed to make health plans from the Affordable Care Act insurance exchanges more affordable for qualifying households. These tax credits were part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and were further extended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to aid struggling families. The credits became a major contention point during the government shutdown earlier this year, with Democrats advocating for Republican support of their extension.
As a result of the non-renewal, both Virginians and the broader American public are bracing for repercussions. Over 100,000 Virginians stand to lose their health coverage, prompting health insurance companies to implement significant rate increases for 2026.
The congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill, endorsed by President Donald Trump, faced strong opposition from Virginia voters. This budget reconciliation legislation, comprising several critical policy shifts such as altered Medicaid eligibility standards and roughly $1 trillion funding cuts over the next ten years, has drawn widespread criticism.
Ben Cline, the Sixth District Congressman, appears to be disregarding the bill’s adverse effects, labelling it a “big, beautiful win for America.” However, 70 percent of Virginia voters disagree with his positive appraisal.
Impacts on Health Coverage
The Congressional Budget Office projects that this legislation could result in 10 million Americans losing health coverage in the subsequent years. In Virginia alone, hospitals potentially stand to lose billions in annual funding required to maintain operations, and approximately 300,000 Virginians might lose health coverage.
When surveyed about these potential effects, 70 percent of Virginian voters expressed an unfavorable opinion of the Republican bill, whereas 30 percent viewed it favorably.
Virginia residents show a general dissatisfaction with healthcare expenditure, placing blame not only on government but also health insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
Main spending-related concerns include:
- Out-of-pocket insurance costs such as co-pays and deductibles
- Monthly insurance premiums
- Costs of prescription drugs
A majority of those polled expressed strongly unfavorable views of health insurance companies (62 percent) and pharmaceutical companies (75 percent).
The survey, commissioned by the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, was conducted through landline and cell phone interviews from Nov. 19-22.
“`
—
Read More US Economic News