Amo, Local Substitute Teacher Facing Skyrocketing Premiums Call Out Republican Health Care Crisis

PROVIDENCE, RI –  TODAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) and local teacher and breast cancer survivor, Marlene Prichard, spoke to the media about the catastrophic consequences of Republicans’ health care crisis. Marlene shared her story about how her health insurance premiums will jump from roughly $800 a month to over $1400 a month in 2026.

“Marlene is one of thousands of Rhode Islanders feeling the pinch of price hikes caused by Donald Trump’s and Republicans’ choice to cut $1 trillion from our health care system and let the Affordable Care Act tax credits 22 million Americans rely on expire,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “Republicans’ health care crisis is driving up health care costs for everyone and forcing people to make impossible choices. Choices between feeding and housing their families or going without insurance and praying that they don't get sick. I’m going back to Washington to fight to stop the cuts, lower the costs, and save health care for Rhode Islanders.”

“As a soon-to-be retiree who purchases care through HealthSource RI, with a little over two years before I can access Medicare, my health insurance is set to jump by $600 a month or possibly more next year,” said Marlene Prichard, substitute teacher and breast cancer survivor. “How can anyone afford that? I shouldn’t have to choose between getting the cancer screenings I need and making ends meet. Thank you to Congressman Amo for his advocacy, fighting so people can afford their care.”

Background

Congressman Amo has fought Trump and Republicans’ attempts to undercut Americans’ health care system at every turn.

Rather than extend the Affordable Care Act Extended Premium Tax Credits that help 22 million Americans afford health care, Republicans shut down the government. Congressman Amo voted against their rigged spending bill that failed to address this looming health care cliff that will hurt Rhode Islanders like Marlene. 

Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Law cut $1 trillion from Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Congressman Amo voted no after speaking out against the bill on the House floor at 3am not once, but twice.

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