U.S. Rep. Jim Himes: Ridgefield couple's 400% rise in insurance costs is why Congress needs to act

[Kohli, Nora (Himes)]

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes: Ridgefield couple's 400% rise in insurance costs is why Congress needs to act

Connecticut Post, Jan 16, 2026

 

Last fall, I visited Ridgefield resident Remy Deyglun, a retired cancer survivor who relies on his health insurance to cover lifesaving treatment. For years, Remy and his wife, Nina have paid just under $1,000 per month for their insurance — expensive, but affordable on their savings. With the expiration of the Affordable Care Act Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) in December, however, they are looking at a 400% increase in monthly cost.

 

Remy and Nina aren’t alone. Twenty-two million Americans are falling off this subsidy “cliff,” and nearly 5 million people will be uninsured due to skyrocketing premiums. This is in addition to the 14 million people who will likely lose coverage thanks to the July 2025 Republican reconciliation bill. In Connecticut, more than 135,000 people lost at least some financial assistance with the expiration of the EPTC. The loss of these credits isn’t just detrimental for families currently benefiting from the subsidies; when more uninsured people cannot pay for their health care, providers pass the costs on to everyone else in the form of higher charges.

 

To me, the answer is simple. First, Congress needs to act quickly to extend these existing subsidies so families like the Deygluns don’t have to make drastic choices to afford lifesaving care. Then, we need to address the underlying issue of health care affordability.

 

It has been particularly frustrating that Republicans have repeatedly blocked legislation to support both of these endeavors. In fact, Speaker Mike Johnson is so entrenched in his opposition that he allowed the government to shut down for 43 days rather than begin the process of negotiating on health care. Democrats — in the minority in the House and Senate —  have limited legislative tools at our disposal, but at the end of December, Leader Hakeem Jeffries spearheaded an effort to force a vote to extend these tax credits through a discharge petition. Last week, with the help of 17 moderate Republicans, the bill passed the House of Representatives.

 

It’s unlikely that this specific language will pass the Senate. However, there are still reasons to celebrate. This vote represents one of the most significant breaks with House leadership and the president since this administration took office. At least a handful of Republicans still understand that, at the end of the day, they answer to their constituents, not to Donald Trump.

 

The Senate is still negotiating, but the success of this vote in the House sent a clear message that the extension of these credits is what the American people want. Affordable health care is overwhelmingly popular, and with November nearing, I suspect that more and more of my colleagues across the aisle will begin to feel the pressure from their panicked constituents. If we stand strong in our call to action, we may just be able to pull this legislation over the finish line.   

 

In the meantime, your state leaders are working hard to protect Connecticut residents from this Republican-driven deadlock. Gov. Ned Lamont has introduced a state subsidy program to cover some of the expiring subsidies for eligible Connecticut residents. We are fortunate to have local leaders who understand that health care is a necessity, not a luxury. But not everyone is so lucky, and Congress cannot rest until those same benefits are afforded to every American.   

 

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes has served Connecticut's Fourth congressional district since 2009.