$79.1 Million investment would help up to 117,00 Virginians afford coverage
RICHMOND, VA – As thousands of Virginians face higher premiums and coverage losses following the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act Tax Credit due to Trump’s HR-1 Bill, Delegate Rodney Willett, chair of the House Health and Human Services Committee (HHS), held a press conference to discuss their $79.1 million investment to establish a state-based premium assistance program to help families keep their health insurance.
Beginning in plan year 2027 through the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, this program targets the estimated 117,000 Virginians earning between 138 and 200 percent of the federal poverty level – individuals who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford marketplace coverage.
Recent data shows Marketplace enrollment dropped by nearly 19,000 people compared to last year, with cancellations increasing and average annual premiums rising by $432. Without action, an estimated 100,000 Virginians could be priced out of coverage.
“This is a data-driven, targeted response to federal policy that has priced far too many Virginians out of health insurance,” said Delegate Rodney Willett, Chair of Health and Human Services. “Small-business employees, early retirees, essential workers, and working families are doing everything right, yet are one unexpected medical bill away from financial hardship.”