The Shutdown’s True Cost
When Washington walked away from working families, Georgians were left with rising premiums, shrinking coverage, and a reminder that affordable health care is something we must fight for here at home!
The federal government shutdown is finally over, but here’s the thing: working families were left behind. The bill that Donald Trump signed didn’t include the enhanced ACA tax credits that help millions of Americans afford health coverage. And now, the numbers are pretty shocking.
Someone earning about $28,000 a year will see their premiums jump from $325 to more than $1,500. That’s a $1,200 increase for the exact same insurance, and a 60-year-old couple making $85,000? They could end up paying over $22,000 more each year. That’s not just a number on paper, that’s money that could cover groceries, rent, or school supplies.
To make things worse, insurers are already proposing rate hikes of up to 18% next year. So even folks who manage to keep their coverage will be paying more while getting less. That’s not fair, and it’s not sustainable.
When people lose coverage, they skip doctor visits, they cut pills in half to stretch prescriptions, and they end up in the ER when it’s too late. No one should have to choose between seeing a doctor and putting food on the table.
That’s why, when I’m elected as your next state representative, I’m going to fight to make healthcare affordable and accessible for everyone here in Georgia.
We can fully expand Medicaid to cover more Georgians who are falling through the cracks.
We can lower premiums with a state reinsurance program so that everyone pays less each month.
We can create state-level tax credits to help working families afford care.
We can make sure no one loses coverage for pre-existing conditions, no matter what happens in Washington.
Health care shouldn’t depend on your income or your ZIP code. It should be something every Georgian can count on.
I’m running because I believe health care is a right, not a privilege, and with your help — your voice, your time, and your vote — we can make sure every family in Georgia can see a doctor, afford their prescriptions, and live healthy, secure lives.
Together, we can make that promise real!
— Michelle Kang, Democratic Candidate for Georgia State House District 99