Booker Hosts Roundtable with New Jerseyans to Discuss Republicans’ Refusal To Address Spiking Health Care Costs for NJ Families

NEWARK, N.J. – This morning, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a roundtable discussion with New Jersey residents who spoke about their concerns that their health care could become even more expensive if Senate Republicans do not work with Democrats to extend ACA subsidies. The roundtable comes as Democrats seek to address the crisis of spiking health care costs as the ACA subsidy fight looms in Congress later this month.

“This morning, I heard from my neighbors in Newark about one of their deepest worries: the rising cost of their health care at a time when the price of everyday necessities continues to climb––from energy to groceries,” said Sen. Booker. “No family should have to choose between affording essential health care and making ends meet. Yet, this is exactly what Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are forcing hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans to do with their refusal to bolster ACA subsidies. Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. It's time Republicans work with us to address the pain their policies have caused and lower costs for working families.”

“We help thousands of state residents enroll in health insurance every year, people who can afford to see a doctor thanks to the Affordable Care Act,” said Maura Collinsgru, Director of Policy and Advocacy for New Jersey Citizen Action. “But with the GOP's 900 billion in cuts—to the ACA, Medicaid, and Medicare—more than 350,000 New Jerseyans are expected to lose coverage.  We call on all Republicans, especially our Representatives Kean, Smith, and Van Drew, to work with Democrats to repair the damage they're responsible for. That starts with restoring the ACA premium tax credits they cut now so people renewing their ACA coverage during open enrollment will not be forced to choose between keeping a roof over their head or having access to health care for themselves and their families."

BACKGROUND: TRUMP & GOP ARE RAISING THE COST OF NEW JERSEY FAMILIES’ HEALTH CARE

• 352,000 people in New Jersey receive critical tax credits that help lower their monthly premium payments.
• For a family of four in New Jersey earning $130K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $11,000, representing an over 100% increase.
• For a family of four in New Jersey earning $64K a year, their annual premiums would increase by over $2,500. That is a 222% increase.
• Health care costs for hospitals and other health care providers in New Jersey will increase by hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade.
• The “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBA) and Expiration of the ACA Enhanced Tax Credits combined are projected to increase the uninsured population by roughly 390K people in New Jersey.