Congress Urged to Extend Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Beyond 2022

July 11, 2022

Dear Leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi:

As representatives of our nation’s hospitals and health systems, we are writing to urge continued support of the enhanced marketplace premium tax credits (PTCs) beyond 2022 and that the extension of this important policy be dealt with expeditiously. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) specified that PTCs would be available through 2022. This change in statute increased the availability of zero- and low-premium health plans for both current enrollees and uninsured adults. Continuation of this economic support is essential to provide millions of Americans with affordable coverage, particularly during a time of record inflation rates.

The Department of Health and Human Services in April released a report which indicates that the nation’s uninsured rate was 8.8% through the end of 2021 — the lowest level ever recorded. The ARP provisions for PTCs were an important component of the increase in insurance coverage and we believe extending this assistance will be critical. The enhanced PTCs secured affordable plans for those individuals who are currently benefiting from the lower cost Marketplace coverage and will also be of assistance to those leaving Medicaid as the public health emergency expires. Without action, millions of American will no longer be able to afford coverage.

Thank you for your consideration of our request to extend these vital affordability provisions of the ARP. We look forward to working with you to enact this important legislation.

Sincerely,

America’s Essential Hospitals
American Hospital Association
Association of American Medical Colleges
Catholic Health Association of the United States
Children’s Hospital Association
Federation of American Hospitals
National Association for Behavioral Healthcare Premier healthcare alliance
Vizient, Inc.