This year’s open enrollment for Covered California is under significant threat as Congress considers whether to extend crucial tax credits. Failure to do so could lead to a staggering 97% increase in monthly premiums for many enrollees, potentially forcing around 400,000 Californians to lose their current coverage. Jessica Altman, the Executive Director of Covered California, highlighted the urgency of the situation during a recent press conference.
During her first press conference since announcing her retirement from Congress, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita, voiced her concerns over the potential impact on Californians. She criticized the possibility of cutting federal subsidies, stating, “It is a remarkable thing that they would take half a trillion out of Medicare, millions of people out of Medicaid, and not renew the subsidies. Why? To give a tax break to the richest people in America.”
Enrollment and Coverage Challenges
Currently, nearly two million Californians have enrolled in Covered California, relying on it for affordable health insurance. Among them is Tessa Spargo, a freelance teacher based in San Francisco. Spargo expressed her concerns, stating, “I’m still here for it and I have to find health insurance on my own. I wouldn’t be able to do it in the open market.” In San Francisco alone, approximately 40,000 residents depend on this health coverage.
Daniel Tsai, the Director of Public Health for San Francisco, noted that while Covered California provides coverage to individuals with higher income levels than Medi-Cal, many still find healthcare unaffordable. “For many of those folks, health care is still otherwise unaffordable,” he added.
Organizations like St. Anthony’s Foundation are witnessing firsthand the critical need for continued support. Dr. Larry Kwan, the Chief Executive Director, remarked on the challenges faced by individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness, stating, “We see people trying to recover from addiction issues, from being on the streets. And when the first thing they need to recover is access to health care.”
The Future of Health Coverage
The Affordable Care Act, which became law in 2010 during Pelosi’s tenure as Speaker of the House, has played a significant role in shaping health coverage in the United States. As Pelosi prepares for her final year in Congress, she reflected on her legacy, stating, “I think the Affordable Care Act is probably the most substantial, but the legacy is outside mobilization, the participation of people in making it happen.”
Pelosi urged Californians to enroll in Covered California, emphasizing the need to act before the enhanced premium tax credits expire on December 31, 2025, unless Congress votes to extend them. The clock is ticking for many who rely on this vital health coverage, and the stakes have never been higher.
