Great Lakes Wire

Michigan is among the states that are asking Congress to enact provisions in the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

A recent press release from the governor’s office noted that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with 13 other governors, sent a letter to Congress in hopes that they permanently secure advanced premium tax credits within the ARP.

“Right now, working families in Michigan and across the country are facing rising costs on groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses,” Whitmer said in the release. “That’s why I joined my fellow governors to urge congressional leaders to make the advanced premium tax credits in the American Rescue Plan permanent. Getting this done will lower costs and protect access to healthcare coverage for over 270,000 Michiganders. I am focused on growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and lowering costs for working families, and I urge congressional leaders to come together and get this done so we can protect healthcare coverage and lower costs for millions of Americans.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 63,000 citizens in the state are in danger of losing their health coverage; 31,000 people would keep their insurance but lose their subsidies; and 177,000 people would stay in the health insurance marketplace but with a lower subsidy.

Projected premium increases for a 60-year-old couple with a yearly income of $75,000 could rise by approximately $11,000; the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said, cited in the release. An estimated $3,000 annual increase in health care costs is projected for a family of four with a yearly income of $120,000.

The Kaiser Family Foundation expects that the typical monthly premium would rise by $66 in the state, which amounts to 39%; the release said. If the tax credits are enacted, residents in the state would pay a monthly health care rate of $170, or $2,040 a year. Without the tax credits, the monthly health care rate would rise to $236, or $2,832 annually.    

More than 303,000 Michiganders have enrolled in the current ARP plan to reduce health care costs; the White House said, cited in the release.