The gift of good health is perhaps the greatest gift. Over Thanksgiving, many of us probably expressed gratitude for that gift. As Christmas approaches, good health is probably what most of us would want to gift to an ailing loved one.
This is why we are writing to express moral outrage that affordable healthcare is at risk for 24 million Americans due to the failure of Congress to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits.
As Franciscan Sisters, based in Little Falls for over 130 years, we know how much access to health care means to our neighbors. We have started hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems. In doing so, we followed our faith’s call to care for the sick. We believe access to quality healthcare is a right for all – not a privilege for the wealthy. No matter our age, where we live, or our political leanings, we all value having quality, affordable health care for ourselves and our families.
Families across the country are opening their mail to find their healthcare premiums spiking. According to the nonpartisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Minnesota family of four making $66,000 a year would see their annual premiums increase from $1,452 to $4,477.
Senators Smith and Klobuchar, and Representative Fischbach, we urge you to keep healthcare costs down for working families and pass a bipartisan bill that protects and expands enhanced ACA premium tax credits. There is still time to act courageously in support of our neighbors’ wellbeing. We call on everyone to join us in urging our Senators and Representatives to protect and expand enhanced ACA premium tax credits.
Sister Bea Eichten
Community Minister
Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota
