Brooklyn Park Barbershop Frets Over Health Care Cuts, Tax Credit Expiration
Amid one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history, Phil Musa, owner of Handz-On Barber and Beauty in Brooklyn Park, recently broke some difficult news to his three daughters.
“My wife, we have had a sit-down discussion that our family has no health care,” he said. “My wife, who has not had a visit to the hospital in over a year. Recently, I went to the dentist and had to pay out of pocket. With rent it has been hard. I had to use money to pay for my visits, my health visits and not put food on the table.”
U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, a Democrat who represents Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, hosted a press conference in Musa’s barber shop on Thursday Oct. 23. Musa was one of several business owners and community members who spoke about concerns related to federal cuts to health care.
“I believe what makes America great is taking care of your citizens and your small businesses,” Musa said.
The press conference came as tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are set to expire.
These tax credits, known as Advance Premium Tax Credits, help families pay insurance premiums for plans bought on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or individual marketplace.
Without congressional action, they will expire at the end of the year, driving up insurance costs for nearly 90,000 Minnesotans.
“Small business owners were finally able to access care because of the [Affordable Car Act,]” Morrison said. “Losing access to care may force them to actually close their doors.”
The battle over these tax credits is among the central issues in the government shutdown.
Phil Musa, owner of Handz-On Barber and Beauty in Brooklyn Park, talks with U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minnesota).
MNsure Impact
In Minnesota, the ACA marketplace is called MNsure.
According to MNsure, if the tax credits aren’t extended, about 89,000 people, or 62 percent of the state’s MNsure enrollees will see their insurance costs increase.
On average, MNsure expects enrollees to pay $177 more per month for their insurance if the credits aren’t extended. That is, average costs would increase from $326 to $503 per month.
Gigi Vaye, an childcare worker at Angel’s Learning Center in Brooklyn Park, fights back tears as she recalls seeking medical care without health insurance. She said Affordable Healthcare Act insurance plans are unaffordable with her current wages, so she’s looking for a second job.
Climate in Washington
Morrison called the political climate in Washington, D.C. “remarkably polarized.”
“The Republicans have been told not to negotiate with Democrats, in many case not to even talk to them,” she said. “It is hyper polarized. I’ve been stunned by the degree to which the Republican majority in Congress has completely given all their power to this president.”
Medicaid
The Big Beautiful Bill Act made significant tax cuts but also cut funding for Medicaid.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services projects that as many 140,000 Minnesotans will lose coverage as a result of the Medicaid cuts.
