Olszewski Votes to Extend Healthcare Tax Credits for Millions of Americans

(Washington, DC) — Congressman Johnny Olszewski today helped pass bipartisan legislation to extend healthcare tax credits to 22 million Americans – including more than 1 million Marylanders – insured under the Affordable Care Act. The tax credits expired on December 31, triggering a staggering price increase averaging 114 percent nationwide.

Congressman Olszewski was among 218 members of the House of Representatives to support a discharge petition to force today’s vote on legislation to extend the credits for three years after months of inaction by House leadership. Earlier this week, he urged his colleagues to vote “yes” in a speech on the House floor available here.

“Despite Americans consistently identifying higher costs as their top issue, today marks 370 days that this Republican-led Congress has failed to take any meaningful action to bring down prices. If we aren’t going to pass legislation to lower costs, I am relieved that we were at least able to finally come together to prevent them from spiking even more,” Congressman Olszewski said. “No American should ever have to worry about whether or not they can afford to see a doctor when they are sick.”

In Maryland, the expiration of the ACA tax credits equated to a $4,700 tax increase for the average enrolled family. Even those who do not qualify for tax credits – or who get their insurance through employers or privately – were experiencing significant price increases as more enrollees opted to forego coverage altogether.