Arthritis Foundation Urges Lawmakers to Use Practical Policy Solutions to Safeguard Against Rising Costs
Vote to reject the extension of the advance premium tax credit puts health care affordability at risk for the millions of Americans covered under the Affordable Care Act.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12, 2025) – As millions of Americans continue to rely on affordable health coverage for preventive care, treatment, and life-saving medications, lawmakers should do everything possible to protect access to health care, especially for the most vulnerable, by supporting the enhanced Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with arthritis and ensuring equitable access to care, the Arthritis Foundation issues the following response to the Senate vote rejecting measures to extend the APTCs:
“We are deeply concerned by the Senate’s decision to vote down the extension of APTCs, which make affordable health coverage possible for millions of Americans. These tax credits have been instrumental in reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding access to preventive services, prescription medications, and essential treatments for those living with arthritis and chronic, complex health conditions. Rolling back these credits threatens the health and financial stability of families nationwide.”
People living with chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and other serious conditions face higher risks of complications and hospitalization when access to care is restricted. Without these tax credits, many individuals will face unaffordable premiums, forcing them to forgo coverage or delay necessary care; outcomes that lead to severe health consequences and increased costs for the entire health system.
The Arthritis Foundation strongly urges lawmakers to prioritize policies that expand, rather than limit, access to affordable health care. In the absence of federal protections, states will be forced to implement fragmented solutions, creating confusion and inequities in coverage. Health care should be guided by evidence-based federal policy to ensure consistency and fairness across the nation.
Navigating a serious diagnosis is challenging enough. No individual or family should be denied affordable coverage that protects them from further complications. Lawmakers at every level should focus on strengthening access to care, not dismantling it.
As an organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with arthritis and ensuring equitable access to care, the Arthritis Foundation issues the following response to the Senate vote rejecting measures to extend the APTCs:
“We are deeply concerned by the Senate’s decision to vote down the extension of APTCs, which make affordable health coverage possible for millions of Americans. These tax credits have been instrumental in reducing out-of-pocket costs and expanding access to preventive services, prescription medications, and essential treatments for those living with arthritis and chronic, complex health conditions. Rolling back these credits threatens the health and financial stability of families nationwide.”
People living with chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and other serious conditions face higher risks of complications and hospitalization when access to care is restricted. Without these tax credits, many individuals will face unaffordable premiums, forcing them to forgo coverage or delay necessary care; outcomes that lead to severe health consequences and increased costs for the entire health system.
The Arthritis Foundation strongly urges lawmakers to prioritize policies that expand, rather than limit, access to affordable health care. In the absence of federal protections, states will be forced to implement fragmented solutions, creating confusion and inequities in coverage. Health care should be guided by evidence-based federal policy to ensure consistency and fairness across the nation.
Navigating a serious diagnosis is challenging enough. No individual or family should be denied affordable coverage that protects them from further complications. Lawmakers at every level should focus on strengthening access to care, not dismantling it.
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