By Rev. Stacy Swimp The enhanced health insurance subsidies, set to expire at the end of 2025, represent a direct threat to the financial and health stability of Black Americans. While the crisis affects all races, the consequences for the Black community will be disproportionate and severe, effectively rolling back historic progress in health equity. […]
Tag: Affordable Care Act
Posted inHealth
As ACA enhanced subsidy expiration looms, families brace for higher costs and limited care
With the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies looming, families who rely on Medicaid coverage are facing uncertainty about how they will afford care. For parents like Hillary Harris in Missouri and Sam Gwesinie in Minnesota, higher costs and reduced access threaten both their own health and the care of their children.
Posted inHealth
Higher cost, worse coverage: Affordable Care Act enrollees say expiring subsidies will hit them hard
As COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire, enrollees across the country say they are bracing for sharply higher premiums, higher deductibles and tougher choices. With Congress failing to extend the tax credits, some families plan to downgrade coverage or drop insurance entirely, warning the loss will strain household budgets and heighten financial and health risks.
Posted inOpinion
The shutdown has ended, but we must move quickly to avoid a health care crisisÂ
Rep. Kweisi Mfume is urging Congress to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent a 35-50% premium hike for Marylanders and potential loss of health coverage for millions of Americans.
Posted inOpinion
Investing in entrepreneurship after the government shut downÂ
The 42-day government shutdown deepened an already growing crisis for minority- and women-owned small businesses, erasing billions in economic output and halting critical programs that support SEDI entrepreneurs. Eric Morrissette argues that reopening the government must now serve as a broader act of renewal, rebuilding trust and restoring the agencies essential to inclusive economic growth.
Posted inMaryland Government
Federal freeze, local response: Gov. Wes Moore declares emergency, mobilizes $10 million to fight food insecurity
SNAP benefits are expected to run out on Nov. 1 due to an extended shutdown of the federal government. Aiming to mediate the impact, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has now declared a state of emergency and issued an executive order which will send $10 million to food banks across the state. Moore hopes the money will help organizations that assist families already facing furloughs, layoffs – and now – the looming threat of not having Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the month of November.
Posted inU.S. Government
Gridlock in Congress triggers shutdown as Maryland officials work to offset impact
Congress failed to reach a funding agreement, triggering the first federal government shutdown in six years and furloughing hundreds of thousands of workers. Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked over health care subsidies and budget priorities, while states like Maryland scramble to support affected employees and contractors.
Posted inOpinion
It’s time to make affordability a priority
Congressman Kweisi Mfume discusses the need for a living wage, affordable housing, healthcare, and education in order to build a prosperous America.
Posted inPolitics
Experts warn court case could end life-saving preventive care
A Supreme Court case set for arguments next week could gut a key part of the Affordable Care Act that provides free preventive health services—putting millions at risk and threatening progress in reducing racial health disparities, especially for Black women. Public health experts warn the case, driven by ideological objections, could lead to higher disease rates, later diagnoses, and increased death rates in communities of color.
Posted inWord In Black
Executive order could push up prescription drug prices
President Donald Trump rescinded a Biden administration order on prescription drugs, which could hike prices for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees, while also rolling back protections put in place by President Joe Biden, such as capping annual out-of-pocket prescription costs at $2,000.
Posted in2024 Elections
Tim Walz highlights service and policy goals at Democratic National Convention
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, highlighting his diverse background in public service and his vision for the future, including his focus on economic and social welfare initiatives.
Posted inWord In Black
Vice President Harris is carrying the torch into our futureÂ
Jaime Harrison highlights the accomplishments of Vice President Kamala Harris, contrasting her record with that of Donald Trump, who has made racist and sexist comments about her, and emphasizes the importance of electing her as President of the United States.