Ellen Allen: WV is watching Congress on health care (Opinion)

This Op-Ed was originally published on December 9, 2025 in the Charleston Gazette-Mail.

By Ellen Allen

 

For years, enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits have been a lifeline for nearly 67,000 West Virginians who rely on the marketplace to keep health care within reach. These tax credits aren’t political — they’re practical. They’re the reason thousands of families in our state can afford doctor visits, medications, mental health care and preventive screenings.

These tax credits are set to expire at the end of this month unless Congress acts. And once again, West Virginians are left in limbo because our federal leaders have not committed to
restoring the support families need.

New national polling from KFF, a leading health policy nonprofit, shows just how serious the situation is. About 84% of ACA enrollees — including strong majorities across the political spectrum — want Congress to restore the tax credits that help almost 22 million Americans afford coverage. This is not a partisan issue. It is an economic necessity.

This is a breaking point for affordable care in West Virginia. Nearly 90% of enrollees are waiting to decide whether they can even re-enroll for 2026 based on whether Congress brings these tax credits back. And one in four say they will likely go uninsured if premiums jump.

That is not an abstract statistic; it is equivalent to thousands of West Virginians — parents, grandparents, coalfield workers, small business owners — being pushed off coverage.

West Virginians know what that means. We are a state with high rates of diabetes, heart disease, black lung and cancer. Going without insurance is not an option — it is a direct threat to our health and our economic stability.

The poll also shows that 66% of enrollees have little or no confidence that federal leaders will lower their health care costs. After months of uncertainty, delays and shifting signals from Washington, it’s not hard to understand why.

And here is what should concern every elected official representing West Virginia: over half of ACA enrollees who are registered to vote say that a $1,000 increase in next year’s health costs would have a major impact on how they think about public policy and federal leadership. Families are paying attention, and they understand exactly who has the power to fix this.

At West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, we hear from people every day who are terrified of what will happen if Congress fails to act. These are individuals who have done everything right — worked hard, paid their premiums, followed the rules — and who now face the prospect of losing coverage simply because political leaders have not made affordability a priority.

Our message to West Virginia’s congressional delegation is simple: Your constituents cannot afford higher premiums. We need you to restore the ACA tax credits immediately. Restoring the tax credits is not about ideology. It is about whether West Virginians can afford insulin.

Whether miners can get black lung treatment. Whether young families can take their children to the doctor without fear of a surprise bill. Whether older adults — too young for Medicare but managing chronic conditions — can stay covered until retirement.

These decisions will shape the health and well-being of tens of thousands of people in our state.

The poll makes something else clear: Americans understand who is standing in the way of affordable health care. According to the poll, 41% of enrollees say they would hold the president responsible if these tax credits are not restored, and 35% say they would hold congressional leadership responsible. When policy choices raise premiums, people notice.

West Virginians deserve more than uncertainty. We deserve clarity, stability and leaders who put our health first. Our families cannot wait any longer for more political maneuvering or finger-pointing. Congress has a straightforward choice: protect the tax credits that keep care affordable or allow premiums to skyrocket for millions.

This is a moment of truth for our federal leaders: restore the tax credits or allow health care
costs to explode for the people you represent.

At West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, we urge every member of West Virginia’s congressional delegation to act now. The health of our people — and the economic stability of our communities — depends on it.