Alaska's Health Care Crisis: Why Congress Must Act Now

Alaska is in a tough spot when it comes to health care. The state already has some of the highest health care costs in the country. Now, there's a big problem coming up. The extra help that makes health insurance affordable for many Alaskans is about to run out. This isn't just a problem for a few people. It's a big deal for thousands of families. Imagine trying to afford a $2, 300 monthly bill for health insurance. That's what's going to happen to some Alaskans if Congress doesn't renew the enhanced premium tax credits. These credits are part of the Affordable Care Act. They help make health insurance affordable. Without them, many people won't be able to pay for their plans. This means they might have to choose between health care, food, and other basic needs. This isn't just about money. It's about real people and their health. For example, there's a person who needs hip surgery next year. Without insurance, they can't get the surgery. This person also takes care of their 90-year-old father. How can they provide care if they can't even take care of themselves? This is a reality for many families in Alaska. More than 25, 000 Alaskans have marketplace insurance. Most of them benefit from the current tax credits. If these credits expire, thousands of people might not be able to afford coverage. This is a big deal, and it's not just an Alaska problem. Recent polls show that 78% of Americans support extending these tax credits. So, why isn't Congress doing something about this? It's a big question. Some people think Congress should focus on helping regular families instead of big corporations. After all, Alaskans already pay some of the highest health care costs in the country. Why make it harder for them? It's time for Alaska's congressional delegation to step up. They need to make sure that every Alaskan has access to affordable health care. This isn't just about politics. It's about people's lives. Congress needs to do the right thing and extend these vital tax credits.