And like the people above, there are thousands more whose lives are shaped by rising health care costs. These aren’t budgeting choices — they’re systemic pressures that make affordable care feel out of reach for far too many.

Read more stories in our new memo👇

Anthony in Kansas also shared with us:

“Without the ACA, I couldn’t get my medication for my mental illness. Without my meds, I can’t work and would be homeless.”

Louisa in Rhode Island shared with us:

“I’m an ovarian cancer survivor with several complex chronic conditions. Without tax credits, I cannot afford health insurance.”

Meet Bobby in Maryland:

Working multiple jobs in Baltimore’s restaurant and HVAC industries, he doesn’t get employer insurance.

Before receiving the credits, he was paying for a high-cost plan that covered very little. He can now go to the doctor without fear of going into debt. Read his story 👇

Through our local, state, and community partnerships, Community Catalyst has a real-time view into how rising health care costs are affecting people — and the tough decisions families are being forced to make every day.

These stories show what’s happening on the ground.

Congress must act to make enhanced premium tax credits permanent.

Affordable, quality health care benefits all of us and our economy!

Tax credits don’t just help James access health care—they help stabilize small businesses and strengthen communities.

With enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of 2025, millions of people like James could lose access to affordable care.

Thanks to his coverage, James can get preventive care and manage his mental health without worrying about medical debt.

As a small business owner, enhanced tax credits also keep his business costs manageable—so he can keep his doors open and keep his employees healthy.

James runs a local nonprofit supporting young people and their families. Without enhanced premium tax credits, he wouldn’t have been able to care for his health or continue showing up for his community—at least not at his best.

Read James' story ⬇️

feel free to reach out via DM if you need any other resources!

and you can also read our blog >> The Hidden Harm of Catholic Hospitals: Why We Must Take Action below.

Thanks so much for highlighting our Catholic Hospitals report @jessdkant.bsky.social! Earlier this year, we made a quick explainer video that walks through the issue visually — check it out below. We also have a blog on this that we put out in February >> commcat.io/4a3idqW