Forty non-partisan, nonprofit organizations representing patients with serious and chronic health conditions have expressed support for the House of Representatives' recent vote to reauthorize enhanced advance premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) for three years. The groups, which include the American Lung Association, stated that this action is a significant step for people who depend on the ACA exchange for health insurance but are facing increased premiums.
In a joint statement, the organizations said: “Thursday’s bipartisan vote in the House underscored a shared recognition that access to quality, affordable health insurance is essential for millions of families and individuals across the country – including those with serious and chronic health conditions. After months of Congressional inaction, patients have already run out of time and are looking to the Senate to swiftly follow suit and vote to reauthorize the enhanced tax credits.
“Our organizations continue to hear from families and individuals worried about their ability to afford skyrocketing premiums and some who are walking away from critical coverage entirely. Congress must intensify its efforts and reach an agreement before open enrollment closes on January 15.
“We appreciate that lawmakers from both parties recognize the urgency of extending the enhanced tax credits now that the 2026 plan year has begun but there is no time for further delays. We strongly caution against any proposals that would increase costs, reduce access to comprehensive coverage or create new financial barriers to care. These approaches are not adequate solutions and would only deepen affordability challenges.
“Time has run out for rhetoric without action. Patients living with serious and chronic conditions have already started the year with delays in care, higher costs, and increased uncertainty. The Senate must act now to restore the enhanced tax credits before more individuals also walk away from high-quality coverage.”
The coalition urged quick action by the Senate before open enrollment ends on January 15. They warned against policy changes that could raise costs or restrict access to coverage.
The American Lung Association was among those calling for immediate legislative action. The organization works nationally through research, education, advocacy efforts, local offices, and community programs aimed at improving lung health and preventing diseases such as asthma and COPD. It supports policies promoting cleaner air and reduced tobacco use while providing support for affected individuals (official website). The association also funds research contributing to advancements in lung disease treatment (official website).
Other groups joining this call included organizations focused on cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, mental illness, rare diseases, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell disease, muscular dystrophy, lupus, epilepsy, sarcoidosis and more.
The full list of participating organizations includes AiArthritis; American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; American Diabetes Association; American Heart Association; American Kidney Fund; Arthritis Foundation; Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; Autoimmune Association; Blood Cancer United; Cancer Nation; Cancer Support Community; CancerCare; Chronic Disease Coalition; Crohn's & Colitis Foundation; Cystic Fibrosis Foundation; Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition; Epilepsy Foundation of America; Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research; Hemophilia Federation of America; Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association; Immune Deficiency Foundation; Legal Action Center; Lupus Foundation of America; Lutheran Services in America; Muscular Dystrophy Association; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Bleeding Disorders Foundation; National Health Council; National Kidney Foundation; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; National Patient Advocate Foundation; National Psoriasis Foundation; Pulmonary Hypertension Association; Sickle Cell Disease Association of America; Susan G. Komen; The AIDS Institute; The Coalition for Hemophilia B; UsAgainstAlzheimer's and ZERO Prostate Cancer.
The coalition emphasized that many patients have already experienced delays in care or lost access due to rising costs since Congress had not acted sooner.
