National Nurses United, the nation's largest union of registered nurses, condemns Congressional Republicans’ vote on Thursday, December 11 to deny the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. 

“Congressional Republicans, led by President Donald Trump, continue to demonstrate they are completely disconnected from the affordability crisis facing working class Americans,” said NNU President Mary Turner, RN. “A vote against the extension of ACA subsidies is a slap in the face against millions of Americans who will now have to choose between paying their medical bill and putting a roof over their heads. Nurses condemn the creation of this needless suffering.”

Congressional Republicans have introduced ACA alternatives, including high-deductible plans and health savings accounts. Recent reporting has highlighted how suboptimal these proposals are for Americans who are dealing with illness. 

Turner, RN continued: “High-deductible plans and health savings accounts are a far cry from the relief that Americans need. In the short term, we need an extension of ACA subsidies. In the long term, the only way to address the crisis in our health care system is Medicare for All. No matter what, nurses will always be there for their patients.”

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.