WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is deeply disappointed that the U.S. House of Representatives failed to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits (PTCs), which will mean millions of Americans will now face healthcare costs far out of reach. 

Without congressional action, enhanced PTCs are set to expire, resulting in sharp premium increases and widespread coverage losses nationwide. In total, more than 20 million Americans are projected to face higher healthcare costs in the coming year—including over 1.5 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders—forcing families across all communities to choose between medical care and basic necessities.

Juliet K. Choi, President and CEO of APIAHF gave the following statement:

“Congress’ failure to act will have real and immediate consequences for families across this country. When healthcare premiums spike overnight, people delay care, take on medical debt, or lose coverage altogether. Millions of Americans will see their healthcare costs balloon by an average of $1,016 in the new year.

Affordable healthcare should not be a partisan issue. Allowing these protections to lapse undermines years of progress and puts lives at risk—especially for communities already facing deep economic and health inequities.”

APIAHF urges Congress to act immediately to extend ACA premium tax credits and protect affordable healthcare access for all communities. Failure to do so will disproportionately harm communities of color, immigrants, seniors, small business owners, and low- and moderate-income families who rely on the ACA Marketplace for comprehensive, affordable coverage. 

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Achieving health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities through law, policy and practice.