| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2025 |
Members of the United States Congress heard heartfelt testimony today from people hurt by soaring health insurance premiums and the loss of SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown. Among those testifying was Baltimore resident Bobby Laughlin, who is facing a dramatic increase in the cost of his health insurance.
Without action by Congress, millions of Americans are facing major increases in health care premiums. Tax credits that bring down the cost of those premiums for many working families were allowed to expire by the Republican majority in Congress earlier this year.“
The federal health care tax credits have been a lifeline for millions of Americans like myself who struggle to afford quality health insurance,” Laughlin said in his prepared remarks. “They have lowered my monthly premiums significantly, reduced my deductible by thousands of dollars, and improved my access to healthcare greatly. Millions of Americans like me across the country need the federal tax credits to be continued. Easy access to affordable healthcare has made it possible for Americans to stay healthy and productive without fear of financial ruin from expensive medical bills.”
Laughlin testified at a public forum organized by Democratic members of Congress to highlight how Republican policies are hurting Americans.
Note: Bobby Laughlin is available to do media interviews.
“Bobby Laughlin is not alone. Millions of people in Maryland and across the country are now being hit with soaring increases in their health insurance premiums. The Republican Congress and President Trump have caused this problem and are refusing to fix it,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of Maryland Health Care for All, an advocacy organization that supports reinstating the premium tax credits. “Without action, millions of our friends and neighbors will lose access to affordable insurance and will not be able to get the care they need. Congress should listen to Bobby and others and act now.”
Laughlin’s testimony detailed how he has benefited from having affordable health insurance and how everybody benefits when more people have health coverage.“By providing affordable healthcare to Americans, we can help to reduce the overall cost of healthcare nationally,” he said. “This will lead to a healthier workforce, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.”
Read Bobby Laughlin’s full prepared testimony:
“The federal healthcare tax credits have been a lifeline for millions of Americans like myself who struggle to afford quality health insurance. They have lowered my monthly premiums significantly, reduced my deductible by thousands of dollars, and improved my access to healthcare greatly. Previously, I was paying for a higher cost plan that did not give me much coverage. I had a high deductible and was paying hundreds of dollars for visits to specialists. If I had needed to go to the emergency room, or needed other expensive treatment, I would have been put into thousands of dollars of debt. Most importantly, because I have a better plan now, I have had access to preventative care for elevated cholesterol which would have otherwise gone unnoticed. I live a much healthier and financially secure life because I have quality, affordable health care.“
“Millions of Americans like me across the country need the federal tax credits to be continued. Easy access to affordable healthcare has made it possible for Americans to stay healthy and productive without fear of financial ruin from expensive medical bills. This law is not only important for the health and wellbeing of tax credit recipients, but it has significant economic benefits for the country as a whole. By providing affordable healthcare to Americans, we can help to reduce the overall cost of healthcare nationally. This will lead to a healthier workforce, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.“
“With the rising cost of living, a slowing job market, and an uncertain economic outlook, it is more important than ever for this nation to take decisive action to ensure that those who need healthcare can afford it. Without accessible and affordable coverage, millions of Americans risk falling into crippling debt, suffering from preventable and debilitating health conditions, and even losing their lives. Protecting access to healthcare is not only a moral imperative — it is essential to the long-term health, productivity, and stability of our communities.“
“If the federal tax credits end, healthcare will become a major expense for me. My premiums will more than double and I will be forced to downgrade my plan to something that will barely cover my needs or give up my insurance entirely. I will be put into a situation where if I am seriously injured or am struck by chronic illness; I will be bankrupted by medical debt. This will not only affect me but millions of Americans who do not receive healthcare from their employer. Families, children, small business owners and contract workers will all be less healthy and financially burdened. This will have a net negative effect across the country and I pray that these credits can be extended and save millions of Americans from suffering and harm.”
