Kansas Congresswoman calls on leaders to ensure healthcare costs do not rise for millions

The Congresswoman from Kansas has urged leadership to ensure that millions of Americans are not forced to pay more for healthcare.

U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that she has called on leadership to include an extension of the Affordable Care Act’s Enhanced Premium Tax Credits in any funding bill.

With current funding set to expire on Sept. 30, Representative Davids warned that failure to act would force millions to face higher healthcare costs when enrollment begins in November.

“I’ve heard directly from Kansans who are counting on these savings to afford their care, and they deserve certainty, not last-minute political games,” Davids wrote in a letter to Congressional leaders. “Any plan to fund the government for fiscal year 2026 must include the extension of these soon-to-expire savings.”

According to the Congresswoman, the premium tax credits have lowered healthcare costs for millions. Without action, premiums are expected to rise 20% nationwide.

In Kansas alone, Rep. Davids said more than 160,000 individuals relied on these credits in 2024 to save an average of $700 each year on their healthcare.

If the credits expire, Davids warned that a family of four in Kansas’ Third District that earns $130,000 could see a $7,000 increase in premiums. A 60-year-old couple earning $82,000 could see it skyrocket by $17,000.

“While I support the permanent extension of these tax credits, I stand ready to work with both sides of the aisle to pass any feasible extension,” Davids continued. “We cannot allow the expiration of these [tax credits] to burden millions of Americans’ budgets come 2026.”

If the credits are allowed to elapse, Davids noted that many will be forced to drop their healthcare coverage. This would leave the insurance pool with those with high-cost medical needs, driving the premiums even higher.