Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) has joined Representatives Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) in introducing the Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act (H.R. 5145). The proposed legislation aims to prevent significant increases in health care premiums for families, seniors, and small business owners.
“I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation that extend these credits for a limited time in order to give lawmakers the opportunity to construct responsible reforms that don’t leave Arizonans’ in the lurch with thousands of dollars more a year in health insurance premium increases,” Congressman Ciscomani said. “We as Congress must come together to find ways to incentivize competition in the health insurance market that will drive innovation and lower costs.”
Ciscomani also addressed broader factors contributing to rising premiums: “Additionally, the factors relating to increasing premiums is multifaceted because health care costs have risen exponentially nationwide and have been rising for decades, directly a result of chronic disease in America that makes up about 90% of the nation’s health care costs,” he said. “I’m honored to support the Administration’s new focus on chronic disease and its devastation on our families. I was proud to vote to fully fund the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative in the House Appropriations Committee. At this time, no legislation has come to the floor to extend the duration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits; and I have taken up the charge to change that by joining my bipartisan colleagues to help lead this legislation.”
Congresswoman Kiggans commented on her motivation behind supporting affordable healthcare: “As a nurse practitioner, military spouse, and Mom, I understand firsthand how critical affordable health care is for working families. In Congress, I’ve made it my mission to ensure Virginians—especially our seniors, small business owners, and middle-class families—aren’t blindsided by skyrocketing costs they can’t afford,” she said. “While the enhanced premium tax credit created during the pandemic was meant to be temporary, we should not let it expire without a plan in place. My legislation will protect hardworking Virginians from facing health insurance bills they can’t afford, thus losing much-needed access to care.”
Healthcare leaders from Arizona also voiced their support for extending premium tax credits. Julia Strange of TMC Health stated: “At TMC Health, we see every day how premium tax credits allow families in Southern Arizona to keep their health coverage and access timely care. Extending these credits is critical to ensuring affordability and stability in our healthcare system, particularly as costs continue to rise,” she said. “As a nonprofit system serving both urban and rural communities, we are deeply concerned that without this support too many would be forced to delay or forgo needed care. That leads to worse outcomes, higher costs and more strain on hospitals. These credits are a proven tool for keeping coverage within reach and preserving a healthier community.”
Gary Kartchner from Benson Hospital highlighted challenges faced by rural communities: “For many rural families in Cochise County, premium tax credits are the difference between having health coverage or going without,” he said. “In small communities, where travel times are long and options are limited, access to affordable coverage is vital. Extending these credits keeps care within reach and helps sustain local hospitals that our communities depend on every day.”
Alison Flynn Gaffney of Banner – University Medicine Tucson added: “Banner Health applauds Representative Ciscomani’s leadership in working to extend the enhanced premium tax credit, which has helped thousands of Arizona families access affordable coverage,” she said. “Continuing this support is critical to ensuring people across the state can remain insured and prioritize their health without the added burden of financial stress.”
The enhanced Premium Tax Credit was established under federal law through several acts including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), expanded during COVID-19 under ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act), then extended through 2025 via IRA (Inflation Reduction Act). If not renewed by Congress before its expiration at year-end 2025, many could face higher insurance costs.
Juan Ciscomani currently serves as U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 6th district after winning elections against Kirsten Engel both in 2022—with 50.7% of votes—and again in 2024 with 50%. He replaced Ann Kirkpatrick when he took office in 2023.
Other cosponsors include Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jared Golden (ME-02), Jeff Hurd (CO-03), Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Young Kim (CA-40), David Valadao (CA-22), Carlos Gimenez (FL-28), Tom Kean (NJ-07), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Don Davis (NC-01), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Maria Salazar (FL-27).
More information about Juan Ciscomani’s background can be found here.
