Congresswoman Diana DeGette advocates for affordable health coverage at HCA HealthONE Rose

HCA HealthONE Rose welcomed Congresswoman Diana DeGette for a press conference focused on the future of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) program, a critical initiative that currently helps 24 million Americans afford health insurance. Without congressional action, the program is set to expire in December 2025.

During her remarks, Congresswoman DeGette emphasized the urgent need to preserve the EPTC program, citing its role in expanding coverage since 2021. "In [Colorado], we're going to see average premium increases over 38% for the next year, which is shocking. That's not just for people who are on Medicaid - that's the insurance rates for all of Colorado. Driving these increases is the loss of additional financial assistance that helps middle-class Coloradoans afford health insurance."

Casey Guber, President & CEO of HCA HealthONE Rose, spoke about the challenges that healthcare providers face and the potential consequences for patients. "If these tax credits expire, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will see their premiums dramatically increase. Additionally, many may lose coverage because they can't afford it anymore," Guber said. "Our goal is for our community to have access to their health needs - preventative services, specialty care, hospital care - without overburdening our emergency departments." He highlighted the financial impact on working families, noting that a family of four earning just over six figures could see their premiums increase by as much as $7,800 annually.

To offer a different perspective, Adam Fox of Colorado Consumer Health Initiative spoke on how the expiration of EPTCs will destabilize the health insurance market. "It deals a major blow to the stability of the insurance risk pool, and that is what is driving these base rate increases." The event also featured speakers from the Colorado Hospital Association, Connect for Health Colorado, and Doctors Care.

HCA HealthONE Rose remains committed to advocating for policies that ensure access to affordable healthcare for all Coloradans.

Learn more and help extend the EPTC program.