#USA #Tucson #Tax Credits #Health #UnidosUS

Community Roundtable Explores Health Tax Credit Losses

On June 17, 2025, a community roundtable hosted by UnidosUS took place in Tucson, Arizona, highlighting the significant repercussions of losing federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (EPTC) for health insurance premiums. This event, organized by the largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, aimed to rally support for the continuation of these vital tax credits as they approach expiration at the end of the year.

The roundtable featured discussions among community leaders, public health experts, and local government representatives, engaging over 40 attendees in conversations about how the elimination of these subsidies could impact more than 300,000 residents in Arizona. Many of these individuals, particularly from the Latino community, rely on EPTCs to maintain affordable health coverage through HealthCare.gov.

Urgent Call to Action

Participants were encouraged to sign a petition to demonstrate their support for affordable health insurance at the UnidosUS website. Speakers emphasized the need for community members to amplify the petition within their networks, elucidating that every signature aids in elevating the voices of Arizonans who rely on these federal tax credits for essential healthcare access and financial stability.

Carmen Feliciano, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS, stated, "The discussions at today’s roundtable made it clear that the potential removal of these health tax credits poses a grave threat to 300,000 Arizonans. For a family earning around $30,000 a year, the annual premiums could increase by $3,000 to $4,000, making health coverage unaffordable for working families across the state. This is a crisis we cannot ignore."

Mónica Sandschafer, State Director of Arizona’s Mi Familia en Acción, added, "This isn't about politics; it’s about people's lives. These tax credits have enabled working families to stay healthy, afford their medications, and access necessary care without facing financial hardship."

Community Solidarity

Enrique Davis-Mazlum, Director of State Policy and Advocacy at UnidosUS, remarked on the event's success and the overwhelming response to the petition, stating, "This shows that Arizona communities are urgently coming together to protect access to affordable healthcare. This is just the first step in a long-term strategy to ensure our communities do not lose critical protections."

The dialogue at this roundtable is part of UnidosUS's 2025 strategy aimed at safeguarding and expanding the health and economic security of working families, especially within Latino communities. The organization plans to persist in creating spaces for discussions and actions that ensure public policies reflect the realities and needs of those who depend on them.

As the campaign continues, UnidosUS remains committed to advocating for the preservation of affordable health coverage and empowering communities across Arizona and the nation.

By coming together and boosting collective efforts, Arizona residents can significantly influence the future of healthcare accessibility and affordability, proving the power of community action in times of urgency.