At the age of 48, I received the diagnosis that nobody wants to hear: “You have cancer.” Fortunately, my prostate cancer was detected early and effectively treated. I am grateful to be alive, yet I recognize that my experience could have taken a tragic turn without access to routine preventive care.
Importance of ACA Tax Credits for Health Care Access
Too many individuals across the Chicago area, and the nation at large, face dwindling access to the health care that saved my life. If Congress permits the expiration of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits at the year’s end, lives are at stake. This isn’t merely a political issue; it resonates deeply within families who need affordable healthcare to engage in preventive screenings.
Consequences of Expiration
In 2021, Congress expanded ACA premium tax credits through the American Rescue Plan Act. This expansion made health insurance considerably more accessible, leading to a nearly 60% increase in enrollment in Illinois between 2020 and 2025, with a record 466,000 individuals signing up this year. However, if action is not taken, those vital tax credits will vanish by December 31.
- Current average monthly premium with tax credits: $143
- Expected average monthly premium without tax credits: $674
For many families, this drastic increase could mean choosing between having health insurance or going without. This absence of coverage can lead to missed checkups and late diagnoses, which ultimately result in preventable deaths.
Disparities in Health Outcomes
Black men are nearly twice as likely to succumb to prostate cancer compared to white men. In underprivileged neighborhoods like Austin, Englewood, West Garfield Park, and North Lawndale, the lack of access to health services exacerbates these statistics. The threat posed by the expiration of ACA tax credits is not merely a policy failing; it can be deadly.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Each story underscores the urgency of this issue. Consider the barber in Austin, too busy working two jobs to seek medical care. Think of the grandmother in East Garfield Park who sacrifices her medications to pay the rent. Or the teenager in North Lawndale who loses a parent due to late cancer detection. These are lives impacted, and preventative measures are key.
We have seen the negative repercussions when individuals lose health coverage. Emergency rooms become their only recourse, families face bankruptcy due to medical expenses, and communities endure preventable deaths. The ACA and its tax credits have proven effective in saving lives through early detection and preventive care.
Call to Action
It is imperative that Congress extends the ACA premium tax credits before they expire. I encourage all levels of government to advocate for the healthcare rights of our communities. Understanding what is at stake is essential—not just for others but for your own family. Cancer is indiscriminate, but access to healthcare often is not. I survived prostate cancer because I had access to the necessary medical care. Let’s ensure everyone has the same opportunity.
State Representative La Shawn Ford represents the 8th District.
