Kevin Strecker, CEO of Ascension Via Christi, and Bill Voloch, president and CEO of Wesley Healthcare, are urging Congress to extend the enhanced premium tax credits that help more than 160,000 Kansans afford coverage. Without these subsidies, people who obtain health insurance through the individual marketplace will face an estimated 77% average increase in out-of-pocket costs, threatening a widespread loss of coverage and forcing many families to choose between essential living expenses and health care.
Strecker and Voloch emphasized that extending the tax credits is critical to keeping care affordable, preventing an estimated 32% increase in the state's uninsured rate, and protecting hospitals from increased strain and uncompensated care.
