Meet Ricky

Ricky is an artistic director and science instructor in Portland, Oregon. His wife trains medical students. Unfortunately, these critical jobs do not offer them health insurance. Before the Affordable Care Act, they never had health insurance so they never went to the doctor. 

Ricky speaks in front of a blue wall and a framed painting. He has brown hair and is wearing an orange shirt. The caption reads: "The health of my family depends on those tax credits."
Ricky and his wife work three jobs that do not offer health coverage. Before the ACA and Premium Tax Credits, they never went to the doctor at all. Now, they are able to get regular care because tax credits make their health care affordable at $450/month. Congress wants to take that away. If Congress gets rid of these tax credits, their premium cost will go up to $850/month. That’s untenable. And Ricky is one of over 20 million people who will find themselves in that situation.

When the Marketplace was established and premium tax credits were instituted, Ricky and his wife began to buy health insurance on the Marketplace. It allowed them to go get regular check-ups at the primary care doctor, dentist, and eye doctor. When Ricky broke his finger last year, he was able to get emergency care through this coverage 

Most importantly to them, his wife is able to get ongoing treatment for her severe depression thanks to these premium tax credits. 

However, Congress is threatening that care. 

It keeps me up at night thinking [about] what we would do were we to lose those tax credits. There are simply not enough hours in the day… to pick up a fourth job.
Ricky Coates, Portland, OR

Without tax credits, Ricky and his wife’s premiums would increase from $450 to $850 per month. For them, that’s untenable. They will be forced to choose to go without insurance and lose the care that’s allowed them to be physically and mentally healthy. 

If Congress does not make premium tax credits permanent, over 20 million people will find themselves in situations like Ricky and his wife’s. They are all counting on Congress for their health. 

The health of my family depends on these tax credits getting extended or getting made permanent. We are counting on you… for our health.
Ricky Coates, Portland, OR
How has having affordable insurance helped you?  

No one should have to forgo medical treatment because health insurance costs are too high. If you or someone you love relies on premium tax credits, your story can make a difference.

Share your story of how affordable coverage has impacted your life.

Your story can show elected officials the importance of prioritizing affordable coverage and can tell Congress to make PTCs permanent.  

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