October 15, 2025 – Following Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (PID) release of health insurance rates for 2026 under the Affordable Care ActSenator Vincent Hughes, chairman of the state Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee, shared the following statement:
“Health care is about to get more exorbitant, and that’s because Republicans didn’t extend increased premium tax breaks.
“With the release of ACA PID 2026 rates, we are seeing in black and white what we have known for a long time. Health care is about to get more expensive, and it is because of Republican inaction. Pennie plan prices will increase by an average of 21.5%. And with enhanced premium tax credits expiring at the end of this year, people will have to bear the full brunt of these increases.” Some may see their monthly payments quadruple. Others may opt out of insurance altogether because they can’t afford it.
“Health care should be affordable and accessible. The United States is the richest country in the world, but Republicans have no will to support Pennsylvanians and Americans who live on paychecks, juggle bills and have no room in their budgets for even more exorbitant health care.
“I encourage my Republican colleagues in the state Senate to speak up. I am turning to you, my colleagues in Congress, and tell them to put people first. Take action to lower costs, rather than actively choosing to increase people’s costs of living.”
