Miami Beach Condo Receptionist Faces Uncertainty Over Affordable Care Act Subsidies
Josefina Muralles, a part-time overnight shift receptionist at a Miami Beach condominium, juggles caring for her three kids, her aging mother, and her disabled brother during the day. Her brother, Rodrigo Muralles, who suffers from epilepsy and was left paralyzed after contracting covid-19 in 2020, relies on Josefina and her family for daily care.
Despite her husband’s full-time job, the Muralles family’s income hovers just above the federal poverty line, making them ineligible for Florida’s Medicaid program but eligible for subsidized health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. However, the looming expiration of enhanced subsidies, which have reduced their monthly premiums to $30, puts their healthcare coverage at risk next year.
The potential premium hike comes at a time when inflation is already straining the family’s budget, with rising rent and utility costs. Josefina is among millions of Americans enrolled in the ACA marketplace who are unaware of the impending subsidy expiration. If the enhanced subsidies are not extended, premiums could increase by over 75% on average, impacting states like Florida and Texas, where a large number of marketplace enrollees reside.
Low-income families like the Muralles couple would bear the brunt of the premium increases, while middle-income earners above four times the federal poverty line would lose their subsidies altogether. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that letting the enhanced subsidies expire could leave 4.2 million more Americans uninsured by 2034.
Organizations like the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are advocating for the extension of enhanced subsidies, as many of their members, including small business owners, rely on Obamacare for health coverage. Hispanics and Black individuals would be disproportionately affected by the lapse of subsidies, according to a study by the Urban Institute.
While the Biden administration and congressional Democrats are pushing to extend the enhanced subsidies, some Republican senators have expressed support for the move. However, concerns about the federal deficit and the impact on working families remain key points of contention.
Health policy experts emphasize the importance of maintaining affordable premiums to prevent consumers from turning to inadequate coverage options. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association urges Congress to act swiftly to avoid disruptions during open enrollment and ensure a competitive marketplace with affordable rates.
As the deadline for subsidy extension approaches, families like the Muralles are counting on their representatives to prioritize their healthcare needs. Josefina stresses the importance of affordable coverage for families to thrive and contribute positively to society. The fate of ACA subsidies hangs in the balance, with millions of Americans relying on policymakers to make the right decisions for their healthcare future.
By Daniel Chang
Contact: dchang@kff.org
Twitter: @dchangmiami
