RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia’s healthcare landscape might face significant challenges if Congress does not renew tax credits designed to make health insurance plans via the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace more accessible. Senator Mark Warner (D) has voiced his concerns over potential repercussions.

Speaking at an event hosted by Daily Planet Health Services, a nonprofit health center in Richmond, Warner emphasized the interconnected nature of the healthcare system, stating, “We are all interconnected in this system,” during his conversation with 8News.

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has indicated that if these tax credits expire as scheduled at year-end, alongside other contributing factors, the cost of insurance for Virginians using the marketplace could surge by over 20% by 2026.

Warner warned that if rising premiums make insurance unaffordable, many Virginians could find themselves uninsured, turning to nonprofits like Daily Planet or emergency rooms for care.

“Imagine the stress on a patient in such a situation, but also consider the nurse managing 50 patients daily under these circumstances. This stress could overwhelm the system and lead to its potential collapse,” Warner explained.

Warner added that if those patients can’t pay for their care out-of-pocket, Virginians will be forced to pick up the tab. 

“Because if you come to the emergency room and you get what’s called uncompensated care, you don’t have insurance, you can’t pay the bill, well, the hospital eats that cost and then charges the insurance company to raise everybody’s costs,” Warner told 8News. 

In a statement, Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), who has been working to extend the tax credits in question, said, “As a nurse practitioner, I’m proud of the healthcare wins Republicans delivered in the Working Families Tax Plan that strengthens patient choice, brings more accountability to the system, and funds rural hospitals. At the same time, I’m concerned about the upcoming expiration of ACA tax credits which is why I continue to seek bipartisan solutions. We need to protect access to affordable coverage while continuing to move healthcare in the right direction.”

Republican Congressman Rob Wittman said, “I have consistently supported legislation that increases access to telehealth, protects Medicaid for vulnerable populations, and increases healthcare flexibility. Addressing the root causes of skyrocketing healthcare costs requires long-term solutions that increase choices for consumers and lower the cost of premiums. As proposals are considered this week, I will continue to focus on ensuring that Virginians have access to the care they need at a price they can afford.”