Ascension, one of the nation’s largest non-profit and Catholic health systems, is building on its commitment to expanding access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for all by joining Keep Americans Covered, a nonpartisan coalition of healthcare stakeholders working to keep healthcare costs down for millions of Americans. The coalition’s primary focus is advocating for the extension of enhanced premium tax credits in the individual health insurance marketplace.
“Ascension’s Mission to serve all persons, with special attention to the poor and vulnerable, calls us to advocate for public policy solutions that will protect access to quality and affordable care and strengthen the country’s healthcare safety net,” said Joseph Impicciche, JD, MHA, Chief Executive Officer of Ascension. “The enhanced premium support has been instrumental in removing a significant barrier to care by reducing monthly costs for 20 million Americans and their families. Without this support, many would face difficult choices between health insurance and essential needs like food, transportation, and utilities.”
Introduced under the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021 and extended in 2022, the enhanced premium tax credits have provided substantial financial relief, saving eligible recipients an average of 48 percent on monthly health insurance premiums, according to the American Hospital Association. However, if these credits expire at the end of 2025 as currently scheduled, approximately four million Americans could lose their health coverage entirely, with millions more facing significantly higher premiums.
“Decisive action by Congress is needed to preserve the enhanced premium tax credits so that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for those who need it most,” added Impicciche. “Ascension is proud to be part of the diverse coalition of stakeholders in Keeping Americans Covered – from hospitals and insurers to community nonprofits and patient advocate groups – calling for bipartisan action to extend the tax credits, protect and expand Americans’ access to care, and improve the health of communities across the country.”
Members of Keep Americans Covered include the American Academy of Family Physicians, AARP, Association for Community Affiliated Plans, Alliance of Community Health Plans, American College of Physicians, AHIP, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Medical Association, BlueCross BlueShield Association, Catholic Health Association of the United States, FamiliesUSA, Federation of American Hospitals, Healthcare Leadership Council, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Association of Nurse Practitioners, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Rural Health Association, Small Business for America’s Future, Susan G. Komen, United States of Care and Unidos US.
To learn more about Keep Americans Covered, visit their website: https://americanscovered.org/
