Megan Menesale: “Not having it (health insurance) is not an option”
New reporting in Savannah Morning News spotlighted how “MAGA warrior” Rep. Buddy Carter’s opposition to extending ACA tax credits is hurting one of his constituents who could see her premiums skyrocket if Congress does not act.
In Carter’s district, a recent KFF analysis found that a 60-year-old making $62,757 per year could see their premium skyrocket by 199% which would result in an increase of $885 in their monthly premium.
Savannah Morning News: ACA subsidies set to expire, putting Georgia premiums at risk
Ansley Franco | December 10, 2025
KEY EXCERPTS:
- More than a million Georgians could face sharp increases in their health insurance premiums if Congress does not vote to extend key health care subsidies before they expire at the end of the month.
- The Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credit helps eligible individuals and families lower the cost of health insurance bought through the federal marketplace.
- An extension of the ACA subsidies, also known as Obamacare, became a sticking point during the government shutdown, which ended only after Republicans agreed to hold a vote on the subsidies during the second week of December.
- But for Chatham County resident Megan Menesale, Congress’ vote, expected to take place on Thursday, could determine whether health coverage remains affordable or suddenly costs hundreds of dollars more each month.
- “Not having it (health insurance) is not an option,” she said.
- Menesale moved to Savannah from Massachusetts six months ago and worked a remote job but was laid off earlier this month. Her former employer offered temporary COBRA coverage, and she is now searching for a new job while trying to ensure she doesn’t lose access to healthcare in the meantime.
- “Losing your job is a stressful situation to begin with,” Menesale said. “It’s not like I’m alone. It’s a volatile economy, currently.”
- According to a nonprofit health policy research institute, Menesale may be one of 1.4 million Georgia residents who could see their premiums double. And the Congressional Budget Office estimates that without an extension through 2026, premiums will increase by 4.3 percent, on average, for that year.
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to announce a “clean” three-year extension of the tax credits on Thursday.
- The extension faces scrutiny from Republican lawmakers, including Georgia’s District 1 Representative Buddy Carter […]
- For Menesale, the debate in Washington has deeply personal stakes. Uncertainty over whether she will be able to afford health insurance next year weighs heavily.
- “To not be able to afford the ability to keep myself well is a scary situation that I haven’t faced yet and I hope to never face,” she said. “My hope would be that they (lawmakers) understand the financial implications for the individuals they serve.”