C&P Newswire
CLEVELAND — U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne warned Wednesday that proposed federal health care cuts could raise costs and reduce coverage for tens of thousands of residents in Northeast Ohio.
The two officials held a press conference at the Village of Healing in Warrensville Heights, joined by local physicians and health care advocates. They voiced concerns over recent budget changes and the possible expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits.
“The Trump administration is creating a health care crisis in Northeast Ohio,” said Brown, a Democrat representing Ohio’s 11th District. “Cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid will mean higher costs, fewer people insured and more people getting sick. I’m standing with my constituents to fight back.”
Brown said that if the enhanced premium tax credits expire, a Cleveland family of four earning $56,000 per year would see their annual insurance premiums double, from $2,400 to $4,800.
She said more than 50,000 people in Cuyahoga County — closer to 56,000 — are enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. Almost all would see higher premiums if the tax credits lapse. Nationwide, the average increase would be about $700 per person, with older adults and families paying more.
Ronayne said more than 300,000 county residents — roughly one in four — rely on Medicaid.
“When parents have to choose between paying rent and paying for a prescription, our whole community suffers,” Ronayne said. “No one should have to decide between basic needs and their health. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid have been lifelines for thousands of families.”
Ronayne said the county will continue working with community partners to protect access to health care.
“Health care should not be a privilege. It is a right,” he said. “Every time we defend that right, we move closer to a healthier Cuyahoga County, a healthier Ohio and a healthier nation.”
By the Numbers, According to Brown’s Office:
- About 513,500 Ohioans benefit from ACA enhanced premium tax credits, including 56,800 people in Cuyahoga County and 38,000 in Ohio’s 11th District.
- If the credits expire, the average premium increase would be $705 per person per year.
- A family of four in Cleveland earning $56,000 would see premiums increase by $2,400, a 100% jump.
- The Republican budget bill passed in July includes more than $1 trillion in health care cuts, including the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history.
- An estimated 25,000 people in Ohio’s 11th District could lose Medicaid coverage, and more than 17,000 could lose ACA marketplace coverage.
- In Cuyahoga County, about 35,000 people could lose Medicaid.
