The rising cost of healthcare is a growing concern for many Americans, and Carol and Tom Shaw from York County, Pennsylvania, are no exception. After dedicating years to build their retirement savings, the Shaws now find themselves using those funds to cover unexpected healthcare expenses. This change in their financial situation arose after the expiration of expanded Affordable Care Act tax credits, which had previously made their insurance more affordable.
The Shaws, who are not yet eligible for Medicare, had been relying on Pennie, the state’s Affordable Care Act marketplace, for their health insurance. Originally, their zero-deductible plan cost $1,095 a month, thanks to the premium tax credits implemented to assist Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the cessation of these credits, their insurance premium is set to skyrocket to $3,500 monthly by 2026, marking a 220% increase.
“That was just, like, holy cow,” Carol Shaw expressed her shock at the steep rise in their premiums.
Facing limited options, the Shaws opted for a Capital Blue Cross plan through Pennie, now costing them $2,800 each month with a $7,450 deductible. Their annual healthcare expenses, including premiums, deductibles, and other medical costs, are expected to reach around $50,000.
The expiration of ACA tax credits has affected approximately half a million Pennsylvanians, with increased premiums prompting about 85,000 individuals to drop their coverage. The Pennsylvania Health Access Network estimates that 600,000 residents could lose health insurance due to Medicaid cuts and the lapse of ACA tax credits.
Now, the Shaws are watching the political landscape closely, hoping for accountability from lawmakers like their representative, Scott Perry, who did not support extending the ACA tax credits. Perry’s seat in the 10th Congressional District is considered vulnerable in the upcoming election, challenged by Democrat Janelle Stelson and possibly Republican Karen Dalton, who has critiqued federal healthcare cuts.
“I’m hoping he loses, and loses by a large amount,” Carol Shaw commented, expressing her discontent with Perry’s decisions.
Besides healthcare, the Shaws are dissatisfied with broader policy decisions by the Trump administration and congressional Republicans, including cuts to food assistance and actions perceived as consolidating power. “We’re living in an administration where cruelty is the norm,” Tom Shaw lamented.
‘Like talking to a brick wall’
Scott Perry, a supporter of President Trump, is facing criticism for his stance on healthcare. His approval ratings are falling as he defends his vote against extending ACA tax credits, arguing insurance companies are partly responsible for premium increases.
Perry stated on Fox43, “What we don’t need to be doing is to continue to enrich insurance companies, especially ones that have acted fraudulently.” In a Newsweek op-ed, he and other House Freedom Caucus members argued that extending ACA tax credits would be a mistake.
The Shaws maintain that without the tax credit expiration, they wouldn’t face a 220% premium hike. Attempts to engage Perry about their concerns have been unfruitful. “I feel it’s not worth anything to try to reach out to Perry directly,” Tom Shaw said, likening it to “talking to a brick wall.”
A history of cutting health care
Perry’s voting history on health issues has been contentious. He voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, opposed the Inflation Reduction Act, and resisted the No Surprises Act. His support for legislation like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been criticized for benefiting corporations over constituents.
Rachele Fortier from Affordable Pennsylvania criticized Perry, saying, “His refusal to restore these tax credits has raised Pennie costs by 180% for his constituents.” Between 2012 and 2025, Perry received significant contributions from insurance industry PACs and individuals, as reported by the Federal Election Commission.
Perry’s support for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is seen as benefiting the wealthiest and reducing governmental revenue, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Shaws believe Perry’s healthcare-related legislative decisions could impact his performance in the upcoming elections. “I’ve seen some of his supporters…saying, Hey, I can’t believe I backed him,” Carol Shaw noted.
