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One in four farmers could lose insurance as ACA credits expire

The ranking member of the House Committee on China says the healthcare credits at the heart of the ongoing federal government shutdown are vital to farmers.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi tells Brownfield, “One of the things that’s about to happen is Obamacare tax credits are about to expire for millions of people, including five million who lose health insurance.”  He says, “One in four farmers. And so, we are trying to extend that.”

He says if the Affordable Care Act credits are allowed to expire, healthcare costs for millions of rural Americans will be impacted.

“Millions of people use those tax credits to be able to purchase health care on the exchanges.”  He says, “Those tax credits are what make those policies affordable. And now that they’re expiring, those policies will become unaffordable, exploding in costs by 200 to 300%.”

Krishnamoorthi says both parties need to come together to find a solution to protect healthcare coverage for those who need it most and reopen the government.

Republican members of Congress have said they want to reopen the government before debating any healthcare updates.

AUDIO: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi