(WJAR) — A local substitute teacher is concerned she will not be able to afford her healthcare once the Affordable Care Act tax credits end this December.
Barrington substitute teacher, Marlene Pritchard, 63, spoke at an event with Congressman Gabe Amo Monday afternoon.
She taught home economics for years before becoming a substitute.
A local substitute teacher is concerned she won’t be able to afford her healthcare once the Affordable Care Act tax credits end this December. (WJAR)
“Marlene is one of thousands, tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders who is feeling the pinch of price hikes,” said Amo.
Pritchard said her health care costs are going to skyrocket next year if the Affordable Care Act tax credits end this December.
Current tax credits cover half of her monthly payment.
Pritchard said the amount could almost double if not more depending on her income at retirement next February.
“If I can stay just under 400 percent of the threshold, my premium rises for 2026 from about $808 to about $1400 a month. That’s a $600 dollar a month increase,” said Pritchard. “If I go over the federal poverty line , me paying for it outright, it would be $2,000 a month.”
The disagreement to extend the timeline of the tax credits was the prime reason that led to the nation’s longest government shutdown.
“We have to drive towards an extension of the tax credits largely because that is the present danger, the clear and present danger in front of people,” said Amo. “They expire at the end of the year, there’s still time for congress to act.”
Prichard survived breast cancer but with the slated end to these credits. She is concerned what decision to make, hoping the disease does not return.
A local substitute teacher is concerned she won’t be able to afford her healthcare once the Affordable Care Act tax credits end this December. (WJAR)
NBC 10 asked Pritchard what the next year will look for her if the tax credits end.
“Good question. I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got to make it two more years until I can, until I’m eligible for Medicare but in the meantime.,” said Pritchard.
Pritchard said she is a very proactive person, doing research months before the shutdown.
She only hopes that something is done soon because she is not left with many options.
“Hedge my bets and hope I stay healthy for two more years or don’t,” said Pritchard.
Pritchard encourages more people to reach out to their congressmen.