Ahead of open enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage beginning on November 1st, health care professionals slammed Michael Whatley for supporting DC Republicans’ health care crisis that’s driving up costs.

Because Republicans refused to extend ACA tax subsidies, nearly a million North Carolinians will see their health care premiums double or more starting in January.

View a recording of the press conference here.

“Thanks to Republicans in Congress who are refusing to extend the ACA tax credits, nearly one million North Carolinians are about to see their premiums increase by double or more on average. Michael Whatley is wholeheartedly backing DC Republicans shutting down the government instead of fixing the health care crisis they created,” said State Senator and former nurse Gale Adcock. “I was proud to be a part of the decade-long fight with Governor Roy Cooper to expand Medicaid to nearly 700,000 North Carolinians. It’s devastating to see our progress erased and to see Michael Whatley brag about it.”

“Let’s be clear: this is a crisis manufactured by Republican leaders in Washington. They’ve refused to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits that have helped nearly a million North Carolinians afford health insurance. And instead of working to lower costs, they shut down the government over it,” said Dr. Jenna Beckham, Health Care Provider. “While families brace for these higher costs, Michael Whatley is cheering on Washington Republicans as they keep the government shutdown, gut Medicaid and let these tax credits expire.” 

“Because of Republicans’ health care crisis, premiums will double or more on average for nearly one million North Carolinians. That means families who worked hard, did everything right, and budgeted carefully could suddenly see their premiums double overnight,” said Vanessa Watson, State Director for Protect Our Care North Carolina.

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