U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor Statement on Republican Health Care Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) released the following statement on the Republican Health Care Crisis:

"House Democrats are urging Republicans in Congress and President Trump to cancel the health care cuts, lower costs and address the burgeoning health care crisis. We must work together to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that lower health care premiums and keep coverage within reach for millions of families. Over 4 million Floridians - and more than half a million Tampa Bay area residents - are facing astronomical cost increases unless Congress acts now.

"As a result of Republican inaction, tens of millions of Americans - including 4.1 million Floridians - are beginning to receive notices that their premiums are about to skyrocket. While families are stretched thin, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have only made things worse - driving up costs with reckless health care and economic policies while handing massive tax breaks to the wealthy and well-connected. Our neighbors deserve better.

"I am committed to standing up for affordable health care and working families. Republicans must end their obstruction, join us in lowering costs and keep the government functioning for our people."

If Republicans don't act to extend the ACA premium tax credits:

1. Health care premiums will more than double in 2026.
2. Nationally, health insurers have proposed median premium increases of 18%, nearly triple the proposed increases of 6% in 2024 and 7% in 2025.
3. In Florida, the proposed premium increases range from 18.73% to 40.81% depending on the insurer.
4. An estimated 5 million Americans - including 1.4 million Floridians - will lose their coverage due to the expiration, combined with ACA policy changes in the GOP's Big, Ugly Bill.