I’m one of many Alaskans facing a tough reality: without action from Congress, my health insurance will soon become unaffordable. The enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage possible under the Affordable Care Act are set to expire at the end of this year. For me, that means my premium could jump to almost $2,300 a month. I simply can’t pay that. It turns my focus to priorities I can barely juggle—health care, housing, food, and paying bills.
This isn’t just a policy issue for me; it’s about my family. I need hip surgery next year, but without insurance, that operation isn’t an option. Plus, I care for my 90-year-old father. How can I support him if I can’t even take care of myself? My health and his are intertwined—a struggle many families in Alaska know all too well.
Losing my insurance feels like standing on the edge of a cliff. It’s frustrating to see decisions made so far away in Washington, D.C., unraveling the support I rely on. Instead of holding big corporations accountable for their profits, Congress seems more focused on cutting affordable healthcare for working families.
Alaskans already face some of the highest healthcare costs in the U.S. Over 25,000 residents depend on marketplace insurance, with many reliant on current tax credits. Research shows that without these credits, thousands might be unable to afford coverage. In fact, a recent poll revealed that 78% of Americans—across political lines—favor extending these crucial tax credits.
This brings me to Alaska’s congressional leaders. Why do you get taxpayer-funded health care, but I don’t? You can see a doctor when you need to. Why is that a luxury for your voters but a privilege for you?
As elected officials, your job is to improve our lives. Your decisions have led us into this situation. How will you fix it? Alaskans like me are choosing between health and financial security because of your actions. We need you to prioritize our needs over political games and ensure these vital tax credits continue.
We’re watching closely. Every vote and statement matters, and we won’t forget who stood with us and who didn’t. It’s time for action to guarantee every Alaskan affordable healthcare, as we deserve.
Erin Jackson-Hill is the executive director of Stand Up Alaska, a nonprofit based in Anchorage focusing on community and sustainability.
For more on healthcare costs and related issues, see the KFF report detailing the potential impact of expiring ACA tax credits.
