Dying From a Name: Racism, Resentment, and Politics in Health Care Are Even More Unaffordable

December 15, 2025

Millions of Americans face potential doubling of health insurance premiums as enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans are set to expire at year's end, with Congress failing to extend them. Research reveals that opposition to the ACA has been significantly influenced by racial resentment and association with Barack Obama's name, as demonstrated by polling showing West Virginia residents approve of the "Affordable Care Act" at 70 percent but disapprove of "Obamacare" at the same rate despite being identical programs. Both Democratic and Republican bills to extend subsidies failed in the Senate this month, leaving over 24 million Americans vulnerable to dramatic cost increases starting January 1st.

Who is affected

24 million Americans insured through ACA marketplace plans
West Virginia residents, particularly older residents and middle-income families facing tenfold premium increases
Lower-income Americans who face the greatest risk from coverage loss
Tens of millions who may be forced to drop coverage entirely due to unaffordable premiums

What action is being taken

No explicit actions are currently being taken. Both Democratic and Republican bills to extend the subsidies failed in the Senate this month and fell short of the votes needed to advance.

Why it matters

This situation exposes how racial resentment and political identity have shaped health policy decisions affecting millions of lives, demonstrating that opposition to the ACA has been driven not solely by policy concerns but by its association with Barack Obama. The disconnect between strong public support for the Affordable Care Act (57 percent approval and two-thirds wanting government-ensured healthcare) and congressional failure to extend subsidies reveals how political posturing overrides both constituent needs and public opinion. The consequences are severe and immediate, with vulnerable populations—older residents, middle-income families, and lower-income Americans—facing potential loss of healthcare coverage due to premium increases exceeding 100 percent on average.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint