Kansans face dramatic insurance cost increases as ACA tax credits set to expire

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Kansans are experiencing firsthand how much their monthly insurance costs will increase if Affordable Care Act tax credits expire at the end of the year, with some facing premium jumps of more than $1,400 per month.

The tax credit extension has been central to the record-breaking government shutdown discussions. People who purchase insurance on the open market qualify for the credits.

Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., said Tuesday that Congress needs to develop a bipartisan plan to extend the tax credits immediately.

“No Kansan should have to choose between paying for health care and putting food on the table,” Davids said.

During a virtual news conference Tuesday, David was joined by two Kansans who discovered dramatic cost increases when registering for insurance.

Nancy Mays of Mission Woods said if the tax credits expire, her new monthly cost for herself and her husband would be $2,030 per month, a significant increase from the $560 she currently pays.

Stephanie Barr of Prairie Village works in the service industry and gets insurance through the marketplace because her employer will not allow her to work full time. She said she needs insurance to help heal from an open wound caused by radiation treatments she received for breast cancer more than a decade ago.

In 2025, Barr pays roughly $20 per month. If the tax credits expire, she would pay $646 per month. She said that amount is impossible for her to pay and that she would have to quit her weekly wound care treatments and cancel other surgeries planned for next year.

Davids has urged Congress to include an extension of ACA health care tax credits in any government funding bill.

A majority of Republican congressmembers appear unwilling to add that provision. Instead, Republican’s want to rework the entire Affordable Care Act, as President Donald Trump detests it.