Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Morgan Griffith have announced a hearing to address health insurance affordability. The event, titled “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of Health Insurance Affordability,” will take place on January 22, 2026, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Guthrie and Griffith said that current healthcare policies have led to reduced patient choice and increased costs. They emphasized the need for solutions to improve health outcomes and reduce expenses.
Ellen Allen, a resident of Pinch, West Virginia, testified about her experiences with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). She expressed gratitude for the ACA’s premium tax credits but highlighted challenges following their expiration. Allen’s monthly premium increased significantly from $479.84 in 2025 to $1,965.87 in 2026 without vision or dental coverage. She expects her total healthcare expenses to reach approximately $25,626 by September when she becomes eligible for Medicare.
Allen noted that the ACA’s tax credits were crucial in reducing West Virginia’s uninsured rate from about 20% to below 6%. She urged Congress to restore these credits permanently, arguing that healthcare access should not depend on income or employment status. Allen concluded by calling for bipartisan efforts to make healthcare accessible and affordable nationwide.
The hearing will be open to the public and streamed online at energycommerce.house.gov.
