Майами (США), 13 декабря (EFE). — Nearly five million people could lose their health insurance in the United States in 2026, including one million Latinos, if Congress does not reach an agreement to extend the healthcare program known as 'Obamacare,' according to a report released this Friday by the civil organization American for Tax Fairness (ATF).
The report, presented during a virtual press conference, revealed that the Latino population is especially vulnerable to the possible expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the healthcare reform approved in 2010 under President Barack Obama and popularly known as 'Obamacare.'
This regulation introduced subsidies that made health plans more affordable for the population, but these will expire at the end of this year if the Republican-majority Congress does not reach an agreement to renew them.
In the event that no understanding is reached between the Republican and Democratic parties, ATF warned that nearly five million people, including one million Latinos, could lose their insurance in 2026.
Additionally, it revealed that 20 million ACA enrollees face 'often staggering' premium increases.
The healthcare crisis that thousands of Latino families would face contrasts sharply with the good situation of healthcare corporations, a consequence of the fiscal policies of the Republican Party and U.S. President Donald Trump, according to ATF.
While the proportion of uninsured people could rise from 24% to 28% next year, seven of the country's largest medical corporations saved about $34 billion in taxes between 2018 and 2024 thanks to tax benefits, according to the report.
'Instead of handing over billions of dollars to those who benefit from denying us coverage and increasing our costs, Congress must extend the ACA credits to ensure that millions of people do not lose access to vital healthcare,' said David Kass, ATF's executive director, at the press conference.
The organization recalls that these dividends are thanks to the tax law approved during Trump's first term, which has also allowed the CEOs of 19 of the leading healthcare companies to collectively save more than $100 million in taxes.
The future of 'Obamacare' is currently being debated in Congress, where Democrats presented a proposal to extend them for three years, which was rejected this week by Republicans.
Trump's party seeks to replace the healthcare program with a direct-pay model through which citizens contract their own healthcare assistance.
In addition to the organization's report, another survey by other civil organizations on the declining popularity of Trump among Latinos, especially due to his economic policy and unfulfilled promises, was also presented during the virtual conference.
