Florida Braces For Health Care Changes As Obamacare Tax Credits Set To Expire
Florida, the state most dependent on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), is bracing for a potential health care crisis as federal tax credits that help make insurance affordable for nearly half of the state’s 4.7 million ACA enrollees are scheduled to expire at the end of the year.
Andrea Denella, a resident of Cape Coral, voiced her frustration: “We’re fighting for health care. I don’t think health care in general is that great,” she said. “Obamacare wasn’t good to begin with, and it’s not going to be good now. I think it’s just a total disaster for everybody.”
If Congress doesn’t act to extend the subsidies, premiums could rise sharply—potentially doubling for some—putting coverage out of reach for many working families.
“The potential cost increase is more than he can afford. I don’t think I could do it. Not on my income,” said Cape Coral resident Mike Mandalaro.
Rising Costs Could Leave Thousands Uninsured
Health experts warn that the expiration of the tax credits could lead to a spike in uninsured Floridians, burdening hospitals and emergency rooms with patients unable to pay for care.
“Prices are really high when you go to the emergency room,” said Yaiselis Bordaveree of UniVista Insurance.
Without the credits, a family of four earning $64,000 could see their annual premiums jump from $5,400 to nearly $8,000—a $2,600 increase.
“We’ve already notified our clients,” Bordaveree said, “but we don’t know what is going to happen yet. Unfortunately, if prices go up, many people are going to be without coverage.”
Local Clinics Prepare For Influx
Dr. Sue Hook, who runs Samaritan Health & Wellness in Cape Coral, provides care at a flat rate for underinsured and uninsured patients. She says many of those relying on ACA plans are working people with limited insurance options.
“Let’s face it,” Hook said. “Most of the people we’re talking about with Obamacare are working underinsured people.” She added, “We see patients constantly who have gone years without insurance.”
If the tax credits vanish, Hook expects a sharp rise in demand for her clinic’s services.
“I think Samaritan will see a big influx of patients when this is totally off the table,” Hook said. “Primary care is what people aren’t getting, and that’s why they end up in the hospital with uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or other serious conditions,” Hook warned of the human cost.
What’s Next?
The expiration of the ACA tax credits stems from former President Trump’s proposed health care overhaul, which failed to include measures to maintain lower insurance costs. Unless Congress steps in, the subsidies will end on December 31—leaving millions of Americans, and especially Floridians, in limbo.
Source: Gulf Coast News Now
