Allergy & Asthma Network Urges Congress to Protect Affordable Healthcare Coverage

FAIRFAX, VA, DECEMBER 15, 2025 – Allergy & Asthma Network CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement after the Senate’s rejection of legislative proposals to provide consumers with affordable healthcare coverage options. 

Allergy & Asthma Network is deeply concerned about the impact on patients as the pandemic-era Affordable Care Act premium subsidies are set to expire.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily expanded eligibility for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium assistance, also referred to as enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits (eAPTCs). The expansion removed the income eligibility cap of 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), ensuring that premiums could not exceed a percentage of a person’s income. This made coverage more affordable for people who were not covered by insurance through their employer. 

The measure helped ensure consumers had access to affordable coverage, leading to historic enrollment in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The expiration of these premium subsidies would mean millions of people could lose access to coverage assistance and may lose their insurance altogether. 

If the premium subsidies are not renewed, premiums across the board are expected to go up by 30% starting in 2026. This is untenable in a climate where expenses have gone up in virtually every sector of commerce. Rising healthcare costs may cause hardworking individuals and families to forgo coverage all together. 

If Congress does not act on extending premium subsidies, millions of people who rely on lifesaving healthcare for chronic conditions, including asthma and allergies, risk losing stable access to treatment and care.

We welcome viable alternative solutions for coverage assistance in the future, but for now, Congress must act to protect access to coverage.  

Allergy & Asthma Network urges Congress to act immediately to extend the premium subsidies and prevent a healthcare crisis for millions of Americans relying on this coverage. We remain committed to working with policymakers to find a thoughtful and equitable solution.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promote evidence-based care, and foster collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.