U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York held a virtual press conference Wednesday to discuss the impact of rising health insurance premiums on New Yorkers across the state and to call on Republicans to extend the health insurance subsidies that help many Americans get care at a price they can afford.

“At least 1.6 million New Yorkers in every corner of our state are on the brink of seeing their premiums skyrocket — all because congressional Republicans refuse to extend the health care assistance that families rely on,” she said. “This is a Republican-manufactured health care crisis that low- and middle-income New Yorkers simply cannot afford. Democrats stand ready to negotiate a bipartisan deal to keep health care costs low and reopen the government, but we need Republicans to come to the table. I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to prioritize American families over billionaires and end this crisis.”

According to numbers provided by the senator, single health payers in Chautauqua County could see an increase of 32% in costs while a family of four would see an increase of 21%.

Without an extension, Affordable Care Act enhanced tax credits will expire at the end of 2025, causing 20 million Americans to see a sudden increase in their health insurance costs. This includes at least 1.6 million New Yorkers, who will face an average yearly increase of $1,360 in the amount they pay for their premiums, with people in some counties experiencing far greater increases. Gillibrand emphasized the immense strain that this will put on working families and the dire need for Republicans to work with Democrats to address the looming health care crisis and end the government shutdown. Enrollees in New York state are already receiving notices of premium hikes ahead of the start of open enrollment on Nov. 1, underscoring the importance of extending the subsidies.