Democratic-controlled states remain on the frontlines of fighting for affordable health care as ACA rates spike
WASHINGTON — ACA open enrollment closed yesterday without action from the GOP-controlled Congress to extend ACA credits, jeopardizing millions of Americans’ health care. Americans’ health care costs are doubling and tripling as the GOP’s decision to let ACA credits expire and their drastic cuts to Medicaid start to impact states. In the face of Republicans’ complete lack of leadership, state Democrats are using their legislative majorities to protect affordable health care and address coverage gaps.
The DLCC recently announced our most ambitious target map ever for 2026, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as state legislatures serve as the strongest bulwark against the extremism from DC that’s raising costs for families.
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:
“Republicans are sitting on their hands as 22 million Americans face unaffordable prices for health care. While the GOP fails to address skyrocketing costs, Democratic state legislatures are stepping up to lead and protect affordable health care access in every way they can, including taking action to lower costs for millions of Americans. The balance of power in state legislatures has never mattered more, which is why the DLCC has set the most ambitious target map to date in 2026.”
Blue state legislatures in action to lower health care costs:
- New Mexico Democrats called a special session ahead of the government shutdown to pass a law to make up for lost ACA health care subsidies. They passed legislation to fully replace subsidies through 2026, which makes a huge difference for families across the state. While other states see ACA enrollment plummeting, New Mexico is seeing record ACA enrollment because of the legislature’s actions.
- Colorado Democrats passed $100 million to prevent rising costs due to expiring health care subsidies.
- $70 million in state funds will extend health care subsidies for some Connecticut families.
- Young adults in Maryland will have access to the state’s health care subsidy thanks to legislation passed by Democrats last year.
- State Democrats in New Jersey passed bills boosting health care accessibility and affordability.
- Massachusetts Democrats are shielding 270K people from health insurance spikes.
- California, New York, and Vermont – states with Democratic majorities – have offered state-funded premium assistance, which will help protect coverage for families.
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is the campaign arm of Democratic state legislatures and leads the national strategy for building power and winning new majorities. Over the last three decades, we have strategized cycle over cycle to win majorities and lead the effort to bring national attention and investment to our ballot level, winning nearly a dozen new chamber majorities over the last decade. Our work has ensured that nearly half of Americans are represented by at least one Democratic majority in their statehouse. State legislatures are the building blocks of our democracy and have the closest connections to Americans’ day-to-day lives. From protecting fundamental freedoms and voting rights to growing the middle class and advancing opportunity, the DLCC and state legislators are moving the Democratic agenda forward and shaping the future of this country.
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