Indian-origin Democrat Ro Khanna slammed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer over the skyrocketing prices of healthcare premiums and demanded to be replaced. “Senator Schumer is no longer effective and should be replaced. If you can’t lead the fight to stop healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for Americans, what will you fight for?” Khanna said. This came as Affordable Care Act premiums are getting expensive. The enhanced subsidies, which are scheduled to lapse at year’s end, have enabled many lower-income Americans to obtain coverage with no or very low monthly premiums and broadened eligibility for assistance to many middle-class consumers.This is not the first time when Khanna questioned Democrat over healthcare crisis. In a post on X, Khanna said, “The reality is if Congress doesn’t do anything by November 1st, 24 million Americans’ healthcare premiums will double. I agree with @mtgreenee. Our healthcare system is broken. We need immediate relief now followed by single-payer healthcare, which is Medicare for All.”Costs have climbed because health insurance became more expensive and enhanced subsidies that Congress approved nearly five years ago are ending. According to the health policy nonprofit KFF, the average annual premium for an employer-based plan for a family of four exceeded $25,500 last year, with employers contributing about $19,200 and workers about $6,300. Total premiums rose more than 24% since 2019 and are expected to increase further next year.Meanwhile, in ongoing votes over reopening the government, Republicans agreed to a December vote on extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act after a deal was struck with a group of Democrats, according to Reuters. The subsidies have been a Democratic priority during the funding battle.
