To the editor:

Health care and health coverage have always played a central role in my life. I have a congenital heart defect. Like so many others who live with permanent health conditions or chronic illnesses, the accessibility of any care I may need is constantly in the back of my mind. If health coverage subsidies that were expanded under the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) are allowed to expire at the end of next year, the consequences on physical health and finances could be disastrous for countless Americans like me. 

Statistics show that 79,200 Washingtonians could lose their chance to purchase affordable coverage if these tax credits expire. We cannot allow this to happen. These subsidies put health insurance within reach for thousands of Washingtonians like me. Without this relief, far too many of us will lose our coverage due to lack of affordability, placing us at huge financial risk in case of a health crisis, injury or illness. 

I am grateful for Senator Murray and Cantwell's leadership, and I hope they will continue to advocate for all residents of Washington by doing whatever they can to extend these subsidies or make them permanent in the budget this year.

Jonathan Parramore

West Seattle