Email Congress now asking them to extend healthcare affordability.
The House passed legislation on January 8th to extend enhanced ACA premium subsidies, bringing us one step closer to ensuring millions of Americans can continue affording health coverage. Now we need the Senate to act—urge your senators to pass this critical extension.
Expanded ACA subsidies expired on December 31, 2025, leaving nearly 22 million people and many small businesses with unaffordable costs - pricing many in need of healthcare out of the market.
According to the Urban Institute, over 4.8 million people could lose coverage entirely if Congress fails to extend these premiums – and millions more could see their monthly cost increase or double. Rural communities – where Lutheran hospitals often serve as lifelines – will be hit the hardest. Many families in these areas and across the nation depend on these subsidies to access basic healthcare.
ELCA social teaching affirms that government, civil society and community all have roles in sustaining the health of the most vulnerable – highlighting that health is a critical part of the whole human person. Lutheran social ministries and hospitals exemplify this mission daily but cannot do this work alone.
The House has acted, but your senators still need to hear about your values and experiences. Please urge your lawmakers to extend these subsidies and protect healthcare access for those who need it most.
[Posted: 1/7/2026, Updated: 1/9/2026]
