West Virginians are a proud group of people — and for good reason. We’re hardworking, sensible, faithful and compassionate. I’ve seen all of these qualities on display as I’ve served in the House of Delegates for the past seven years. I’m driven to serve my constituents not because of our differences, but because of these qualities that bring us together.
We can look past party lines to find commonsense solutions that make our lives better because we know that everyday West Virginians should be able to support themselves, take care of their families and make our communities stronger. That’s why I wrote Senator Joe Manchin in the fall to urge him to support tax credits that help our families afford health insurance — and why I’m asking all West Virginians to join me in calling on Congress to keep insurance affordable.
I believe in helping hardworking families who want to help themselves. Health insurance subsidies do just that — they make it possible for working-class Americans to buy their own health insurance plans and, in turn, afford the care they need for themselves and their families. When families are healthier, we all benefit. Healthier employees keep businesses up and running, healthier kids keep schools safe and productive and healthier parents are able to take care of their families and work in their communities. People need affordable insurance to see doctors and keep up with the regular medical care it takes to stay well.
Since the federal insurance marketplace was created in 2010, West Virginia has cut its rate of uninsured citizens by more than half, according to analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That represents a big gain in the effort to bring down the number of uninsured in our state, but more than 120,000 residents who remain uninsured is still a lot of people — a number way too high for our strained health care system. Many of these folks simply can’t afford insurance and, therefore, health care when they need it.
Thankfully, tax credits for working-class Americans have allowed thousands of people to buy their own coverage at an affordable price. In 2021, in response to the pandemic, Congress expanded the pool of Americans eligible for those tax credits, also called subsidies. The results of that decision speak for themselves. The expanded marketplace subsidies made more Americans than ever eligible for relief, including nearly 17,000 in West Virginia alone. Since then, 14.5 million Americans have signed up for coverage.
Unfortunately, the tax credit expansion passed in 2021 is set to expire at the end of this year if Congress does not act. Losing access to affordable health insurance would be unacceptable, especially now when countless West Virginians are concerned about their well-being and that of their families. Without Congressional action — and leadership from Senator Manchin — thousands of West Virginians and millions of Americans could lose their coverage.
We can’t let that become a reality for any of our families in West Virginia.
The people of our state elected Senator Manchin because he is committed to doing what’s best for West Virginians, regardless of party line votes and the shifting political winds in Washington. Although we sometimes disagree on policy issues, he shares my commitment to public service above all. He can demonstrate this commitment by fighting to keep health insurance affordable for all West Virginians.
Congress could use a dose of West Virginia common sense and actually get something done for the American people. By making the expanded tax credits permanent, Congress would empower people across our state to take care of their families and make their communities stronger. Senator Manchin should once again do what’s best for West Virginians and lead the way in keeping insurance affordable and accessible.
Kayla Kessinger
West Virginia House of Delegates
District 32