BRONZEVILLE (WBBM Newsradio) -- Members of Congress return to Capitol Hill this week to consider - among other issues - whether to extend help for millions of people buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
Those tax credits for people meeting certain income requirements were enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they expired last week with no clear direction on whether to re-extend them.
Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikatis says lack of action will force people to delay needed medical care until an issue becomes a crisis.
"Approximately 600,000 people across Illinois could lose coverage because of cuts to Medicaid and the loss of ACA tax credits," Dr. Mikatis told reporters Monday during an appearance at the Bronzeville Community Health Center, 435 E. 31st St.
He and elected leaders were joined by retired auto mechanic Doug Butchart and his wife Shadene, who's been receiving treatment for ALS since 2017.
"Last year, her medical expenses were over $300,000," Doug Butchart told reporters, saying that his wife has relied on ACA marketplace insurance since her diagnosis.
However, the loss of those tax credits means the Butcharts' premiums will increase from $1,400 a month to $2,100. That's more than Doug's monthly Social Security check.
"Not knowing the exact cost is very troubling," he said, noting that he and his wife could be forced to select a new policy with a higher deductible.
Cook County leaders say they're stepping up outreach to make sure affected people know their options as members of Congress consider extending those credits.