Black America Still Fights for Affordable Health Care

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation is profoundly disappointed that the agreement to reopen the government fails to guarantee the extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that millions of Americans—disproportionately Black and Brown communities—depend on for affordable health coverage. While we understand the urgency to end this record-breaking shutdown and restore critical government services, we cannot remain silent when the health and economic security of our communities hangs in the balance.

Black Americans have consistently faced higher rates of uninsurance and are more likely to rely on ACA marketplace coverage, making these subsidies not just a policy preference but a lifeline.

The promise of a future vote on health care subsidies is simply insufficient. We have seen too many times how procedural commitments fail to translate into concrete protections for vulnerable communities. Without the subsidies, families across the nation will face skyrocketing premiums that will force impossible choices between health coverage and other basic necessities. This burden will fall heaviest on working-class Black families who are already navigating systemic economic barriers.

We commend those senators who held the line and voted against this agreement, standing firm in their commitment to securing guaranteed health care protections for the American people. We call on Congress to immediately prioritize legislation that extends and expands these critical subsidies before the December deadline. Health care is a human right, not a political bargaining chip.

The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation will continue to mobilize our communities and demand that our elected officials put the health and dignity of all Americans ahead of political posturing. We will accept nothing less than concrete action that ensures affordable, accessible health care for every person in this nation.