WASHINGTON, Dec. 17, 2025—Today marks the culmination of Congress’s failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits (APTCs). House leadership refused to allow a vote on any proposal extending the expiring premium tax credits, foreclosing the last chance for Congress to spare American consumers from drastic increases in their premium costs in January. As a result, nearly two million patients with chronic conditions like blood cancer—who get their health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace will soon find their healthcare premiums unaffordable.
In response, Blood Cancer United issued the following statement from Chief Medical Officer Gwen Nichols, MD:
“The holiday season is a time of giving. Yet, this year, Congress is taking away affordable healthcare for patients in communities across America. There’s no sugarcoating it: the impact of their inaction will be catastrophic. Many will be forced to choose between paying for food, shelter or the medical treatments they desperately need. No patient or family should have to make those heart-wrenching decisions.
“All fall, patients and families have experienced sticker shock. They have wondered how they’ll afford their healthcare premiums without enhanced tax credits. Now, those worries are actual bills; many patients’ premiums will more than double. Many will drop their health coverage and go without necessary care. Their conditions will worsen—and as a result, some may not survive. That’s unacceptable.
“Blood Cancer United has vehemently urged Congress to reauthorize the tax credits because we know that blood cancer patients simply cannot afford to go without health insurance. For many of these patients, the ACA marketplace is a lifeline, providing small business owners, self-employed individuals, gig workers and others who lack other affordable insurance options with access to the essential care they need.
“We are deeply disappointed Congress failed to give patients the peace of mind that their premiums won't skyrocket. But there is still time for Congress to fix the mess it created. We urge lawmakers to make extending the tax credits the first order of business when they reconvene in January.”
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About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives. For support and to learn more, visit www.BloodCancerUnited.org.
Media contact: Kathy Melley, Blood Cancer United, (617) 791-0708