Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the Center for American Progress finds that the expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits will have a disproportionate impact on disabled Americans. Many disabled workers turn to self-employment because it offers the flexibility to manage chronic conditions, design accessible workspaces, and balance their health and productivity. These workers rely heavily on affordable marketplace coverage to make that possible.
“Disabled people already face major barriers to stable employment,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at CAP and co-author of the analysis. “Higher health insurance costs in the marketplace will force many to give up self-employment entirely. Congress needs to act now to protect affordable coverage and ensure disabled workers can stay in the workforce.”
The analysis finds that:
- Nearly 1.2 million disabled Americans are self-employed, representing more than 11 percent of employed disabled people.
- Disabled workers are more than 50 percent more likely to be self-employed than their nondisabled peers, often because of discrimination and the need for flexible work conditions.
- Premium costs will more than double on average for many self-employed people if Congress fails to act, putting coverage out of reach for those with high medical needs.
- In states such as South Dakota and Florida, roughly 9 in 10 self-employed marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits, and both states have among the highest rates of self-employment among disabled workers.
- Disabled veterans, who are especially likely to be self-employed, also depend on marketplace coverage to fill gaps not covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If Congress fails to extend the enhanced premium tax credits before the end of open enrollment, millions of Americans—including disabled workers and veterans—will face unaffordable premiums and potential loss of coverage, threatening both their health and economic security.
Read the full analysis: “ACA Premium Spikes Will Derail Disabled People’s Careers” by Molly Weston Williamson, Natasha Murphy, and Mia Ives-Rublee.
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].