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Lawmaker warns health-insurance premiums have spiked for millions as Congress stalls
Summary
A lawmaker said health-insurance premiums have surged — about a 114% increase for roughly 24,000,000 people — and urged bipartisan talks, citing sample notices showing increases from $289 to $485. The speaker said the House is not planning to return next week and called for a partner to negotiate solutions.
A lawmaker warned that health-insurance premiums have surged for millions of Americans and urged bipartisan negotiations, saying “the crisis is now.” The speaker said some consumers are already receiving letters showing steep increases, and pressed congressional leaders to sit down and negotiate remedies.
The lawmaker said the House is not planning to return next week and described that as an obstacle to resolving what they called an urgent health-care crisis affecting people enrolled on the exchanges and others who could see rate spikes. “People are getting their letters now,” the lawmaker said. “The crisis is now.”
The speaker cited a numeric estimate, saying premiums had increased by about 114% for approximately 24,000,000 Americans and gave a concrete example: “You were paying $289, now you're paying $485.” The lawmaker framed the consequences as broader than exchange enrollees, arguing that when some people lose coverage it raises rates for others who keep insurance.
The speaker also referenced congressional leaders by name, saying party leaders such as Schumer and Klobuchar were prepared to pursue bipartisan compromise if other members would “sit down and work with us.” The speaker urged colleagues to become a “dance partner” to reach agreements that would limit the immediate harms described.
The transcript does not record any motions, votes, or formal actions related to the comments. The meeting transcript does not specify the committee hearing date, location, or whether additional witnesses or staff responded to the remarks. No formal decision or legislative outcome was recorded in the provided segment.
Ending: The speaker closed by reiterating an appeal for negotiation and bipartisanship, saying the situation required immediate attention because affected consumers were already receiving notices of higher premiums.
