Natasha Murphy
@nzmurphy.bsky.social
Passionate about empowering communities through policy reform and civic action | Health Policy Director at Center for American Progress | Views and opinions are my own
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
High-quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, for everyone in America.
December 22, 2025 at 2:35 PM
High-quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege, for everyone in America.
ICYMI: A House vote on the extension of the enhanced premium tax credits is coming in January—but preventing 2026 premium spikes will ultimately depend on Senate action. Learn more: www.americanprogressaction.org/article/prev...
Preventing Premiums From Spiking in 2026 Now Depends on the Senate
Without Senate action, families will see Affordable Care Act marketplace premiums spike by thousands of dollars.
www.americanprogressaction.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
ICYMI: A House vote on the extension of the enhanced premium tax credits is coming in January—but preventing 2026 premium spikes will ultimately depend on Senate action. Learn more: www.americanprogressaction.org/article/prev...
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
The House Republicans’ response to expiring premium tax credit enhancements simply doesn’t respond to expiring PTC enhancements.
Instead, they recycle old Republican policy priorities and do nothing to address the impending marketplace affordability crisis.
Instead, they recycle old Republican policy priorities and do nothing to address the impending marketplace affordability crisis.
House Republican Health Care Bill Fails to Address Marketplace Affordability
The health bill House Republicans are preparing to bring to the floor this week not only fails to prevent imminent premium spikes for more than 20 million people in marketplace plans, but would raise....
www.cbpp.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:06 PM
The House Republicans’ response to expiring premium tax credit enhancements simply doesn’t respond to expiring PTC enhancements.
Instead, they recycle old Republican policy priorities and do nothing to address the impending marketplace affordability crisis.
Instead, they recycle old Republican policy priorities and do nothing to address the impending marketplace affordability crisis.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
This holiday season, the cost of the Trump administration’s tariff policies is evident on store shelves and in household budgets—with costs becoming impossible to ignore. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-trump-administrations-tariffs-are-a-hidden-holiday-tax/
The Trump Administration’s Tariffs Are a Hidden Holiday Tax
President Trump’s tariffs are adding to inflation and holding back families this holiday season.
www.americanprogress.org
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This holiday season, the cost of the Trump administration’s tariff policies is evident on store shelves and in household budgets—with costs becoming impossible to ignore. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-trump-administrations-tariffs-are-a-hidden-holiday-tax/
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Competition has increased in the individual market (which consists mostly of the ACA Marketplaces) in recent years but has fallen in fully insured group markets.
Learn how the enhanced ACA credit played a role: https://on.kff.org/4aGzTsP
Learn how the enhanced ACA credit played a role: https://on.kff.org/4aGzTsP
December 12, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Competition has increased in the individual market (which consists mostly of the ACA Marketplaces) in recent years but has fallen in fully insured group markets.
Learn how the enhanced ACA credit played a role: https://on.kff.org/4aGzTsP
Learn how the enhanced ACA credit played a role: https://on.kff.org/4aGzTsP
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Despite the Trump administration’s claims that other countries would pay for its tariffs, President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are undoubtedly making life more expensive for Americans. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-trump-administrations-tariffs-are-a-hidden-holiday-tax/
The Trump Administration’s Tariffs Are a Hidden Holiday Tax
President Trump’s tariffs are adding to inflation and holding back families this holiday season.
www.americanprogress.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Despite the Trump administration’s claims that other countries would pay for its tariffs, President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are undoubtedly making life more expensive for Americans. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/the-trump-administrations-tariffs-are-a-hidden-holiday-tax/
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Get ready to learn a very wonky term: "effectuated enrollment." It's the number of people who sign up for ACA coverage or get auto-renewed and then pay their premiums. It's going to matter a lot if enhanced tax credits expire and people face an average increase in premium payments of 114%.
December 10, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Get ready to learn a very wonky term: "effectuated enrollment." It's the number of people who sign up for ACA coverage or get auto-renewed and then pay their premiums. It's going to matter a lot if enhanced tax credits expire and people face an average increase in premium payments of 114%.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
On Deadline D.C. with @bradbannon.bsky.social, CAP's @nzmurphy.bsky.social explains the urgent need to extend the ACA's enhanced tax credits: "We right now are staring down the cliff of pretty much a premium affordability crisis."
December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
On Deadline D.C. with @bradbannon.bsky.social, CAP's @nzmurphy.bsky.social explains the urgent need to extend the ACA's enhanced tax credits: "We right now are staring down the cliff of pretty much a premium affordability crisis."
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Don't be fooled: Health Savings Accounts aren't insurance and can't replace enhanced premium tax credits. CAP Health explains @nzmurphy.bsky.social @americanprogress.bsky.social
Senate Republicans’ HSA Plan Can’t Replace the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
The Senate Republican response to the looming expiration of the ACA’s enhanced tax credits is a patchwork of policies that will shift costs onto patients and weaken insurance markets.
www.americanprogress.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Don't be fooled: Health Savings Accounts aren't insurance and can't replace enhanced premium tax credits. CAP Health explains @nzmurphy.bsky.social @americanprogress.bsky.social
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
A few thoughts on new Medicaid work req guidance from CMS
Topline it says v. little so states remain in a bind with huge demands and little guidance to go on.
But some takeaways:
1. Confirms that states will have access to 90/10 fed match for new IT systems (vendors are 😀).
🧵
Topline it says v. little so states remain in a bind with huge demands and little guidance to go on.
But some takeaways:
1. Confirms that states will have access to 90/10 fed match for new IT systems (vendors are 😀).
🧵
The Trump Administration has released preliminary guidance on mandatory Medicaid work requirements. We will read and share thoughts soon here and on our website ccf.georgetown.edu
medicaid.gov/federal-poli...
medicaid.gov/federal-poli...
medicaid.gov
December 8, 2025 at 11:05 PM
A few thoughts on new Medicaid work req guidance from CMS
Topline it says v. little so states remain in a bind with huge demands and little guidance to go on.
But some takeaways:
1. Confirms that states will have access to 90/10 fed match for new IT systems (vendors are 😀).
🧵
Topline it says v. little so states remain in a bind with huge demands and little guidance to go on.
But some takeaways:
1. Confirms that states will have access to 90/10 fed match for new IT systems (vendors are 😀).
🧵
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
What does a country without affordable healthcare look like?
@nzmurphy.bsky.social paints a clear—and alarming—picture. Watch her full interview: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/healthcare-isnt-a-luxury-natasha
@nzmurphy.bsky.social paints a clear—and alarming—picture. Watch her full interview: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/healthcare-isnt-a-luxury-natasha
Healthcare Isn't a Luxury! Natasha Murphy on Looming ACA Deadline
"The reality is, people just won’t be able to afford coverage and will have to drop coverage altogether."
contrarian.substack.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:40 PM
What does a country without affordable healthcare look like?
@nzmurphy.bsky.social paints a clear—and alarming—picture. Watch her full interview: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/healthcare-isnt-a-luxury-natasha
@nzmurphy.bsky.social paints a clear—and alarming—picture. Watch her full interview: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/healthcare-isnt-a-luxury-natasha
Senate Republicans’ alternative to extending the ACA's enhanced premium tax credits is not a real health care plan. They will shift more financial risk onto families and undermine marketplace stability. New from @americanprogress.bsky.social: www.americanprogress.org/article/sena...
Senate Republicans’ HSA Plan Can’t Replace the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits
The Senate Republican response to the looming expiration of the ACA’s enhanced tax credits is a patchwork of policies that will shift costs onto patients and weaken insurance markets.
www.americanprogress.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Senate Republicans’ alternative to extending the ACA's enhanced premium tax credits is not a real health care plan. They will shift more financial risk onto families and undermine marketplace stability. New from @americanprogress.bsky.social: www.americanprogress.org/article/sena...
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Sens Cassidy and Crapo are circulating a health proposal that would do little to address the premium spikes millions of ACA marketplace enrollees will face starting Jan 1, and would further increase many people’s out of pocket costs for health care over time. www.axios.com/2025/12/08/s...
Scoop: Senate GOP chairs circulate health plan as ACA subsidies hang in the balance
Two key Republican chairmen circulated the plan as the GOP struggles to unite around health policies.
www.axios.com
December 8, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Sens Cassidy and Crapo are circulating a health proposal that would do little to address the premium spikes millions of ACA marketplace enrollees will face starting Jan 1, and would further increase many people’s out of pocket costs for health care over time. www.axios.com/2025/12/08/s...
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Join CAP for the 11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit on Wednesday, December 10. This virtual event will feature speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement. https://www.americanprogress.org/events/11th-national-gun-violence-prevention-summit/
11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit
Join CAP for a summit featuring speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement.
www.americanprogress.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Join CAP for the 11th National Gun Violence Prevention Summit on Wednesday, December 10. This virtual event will feature speeches and discussions by leading advocates of the gun violence prevention movement. https://www.americanprogress.org/events/11th-national-gun-violence-prevention-summit/
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
New HHS data on ACA marketplace enrollment for 2026 so far suggest a similar number of ppl have selected a plan compared to last year even as they see higher premium costs that reflect expiration of PTC enhancements. But don't make too much if it.
Marketplace 2026 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot | CMS
Marketplace 2026 Open Enrollment Period Report: National Snapshot
www.cms.gov
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
New HHS data on ACA marketplace enrollment for 2026 so far suggest a similar number of ppl have selected a plan compared to last year even as they see higher premium costs that reflect expiration of PTC enhancements. But don't make too much if it.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
For @warnock.senate.gov, restoring the American dream is about more than economics—it is a spiritual undertaking that will help unite a divided country. Join us to hear directly from Sen. Warnock on Thursday, December 11. ampr.gs/4pdh2KD
Healing America’s Spiritual Crisis: A Conversation with Sen. Raphael Warnock
Please join the Center for American Progress to hear Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) speak as part of CAP’s “What’s Next: Conversations on the Path Forward” series.
ampr.gs
December 8, 2025 at 5:11 PM
For @warnock.senate.gov, restoring the American dream is about more than economics—it is a spiritual undertaking that will help unite a divided country. Join us to hear directly from Sen. Warnock on Thursday, December 11. ampr.gs/4pdh2KD
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
The process was riddled with inaccuracies, falsehoods, and confusion. The outcome threatens babies and reverses decades of progress in preventing hepatitis B infection, illness, and death. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/h...
An End to Hepatitis B Shots for All Newborns
www.nytimes.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:35 PM
The process was riddled with inaccuracies, falsehoods, and confusion. The outcome threatens babies and reverses decades of progress in preventing hepatitis B infection, illness, and death. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/05/h...
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Our latest survey captures the views and experiences of Marketplace enrollees as they weigh their coverage options for 2026, without the enhanced ACA credits or other policy changes that the Senate could debate this month.
See the findings: https://on.kff.org/4ptXoK8
See the findings: https://on.kff.org/4ptXoK8
2025 KFF Marketplace Enrollees Survey | KFF
This survey explores how ACA Marketplace enrollees expect to respond if their premium payments doubled as expected in 2026 when enhanced premium tax credits are set to expire. About a third would very...
on.kff.org
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Our latest survey captures the views and experiences of Marketplace enrollees as they weigh their coverage options for 2026, without the enhanced ACA credits or other policy changes that the Senate could debate this month.
See the findings: https://on.kff.org/4ptXoK8
See the findings: https://on.kff.org/4ptXoK8
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Nearly 6 in 10 Marketplace enrollees say they wouldn’t be able to afford a health insurance premium increase of $300 per year without significantly disrupting their household finances.
An additional 1 in 5 say they would not be able to afford a $1,000 per year premium increase.
An additional 1 in 5 say they would not be able to afford a $1,000 per year premium increase.
December 4, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Nearly 6 in 10 Marketplace enrollees say they wouldn’t be able to afford a health insurance premium increase of $300 per year without significantly disrupting their household finances.
An additional 1 in 5 say they would not be able to afford a $1,000 per year premium increase.
An additional 1 in 5 say they would not be able to afford a $1,000 per year premium increase.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Today RFK Jr's ACIP considers delaying/removing the hep B birth dose recommendation, increasing chronic infection in children leading to liver disease. Studies show no benefit to vaccine delay. Since 1991, the birth dose has cut childhood hep B infections by 99%. ACIP: Do not fix what isn't broken.
December 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Today RFK Jr's ACIP considers delaying/removing the hep B birth dose recommendation, increasing chronic infection in children leading to liver disease. Studies show no benefit to vaccine delay. Since 1991, the birth dose has cut childhood hep B infections by 99%. ACIP: Do not fix what isn't broken.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
With the federal government stripping away vaccine infrastructure, states are on the hook to protect the health and safety of their residents. CAP's @jillrose.bsky.social explains 6 ways states can protect access to vaccines: https://ampr.gs/3X83W4Q
6 Ways States Can Protect Vaccine Access While the Trump Administration Dismantles the Federal System
As the federal government dismantles the country’s vaccine infrastructure, the burden of ensuring access to vaccines for flu, measles, and more is shifting to states.
ampr.gs
November 21, 2025 at 8:00 PM
With the federal government stripping away vaccine infrastructure, states are on the hook to protect the health and safety of their residents. CAP's @jillrose.bsky.social explains 6 ways states can protect access to vaccines: https://ampr.gs/3X83W4Q
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
The IRA broke through decades of unchecked pharmaceutical power. Now those reforms must be defended against further assaults from the Trump administration. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/medicare-negotiation-is-working-but-the-trump-administrations-rollbacks-diminish-potential-savings/
Medicare Negotiation Is Working, but the Trump Administration’s Rollbacks Diminish Potential Savings
The second round of Medicare’s drug-price negotiations shows that the Inflation Reduction Act is lowering costs, but the Big Beautiful Bill weakens its potential—protecting drug company profits at pat...
www.americanprogress.org
November 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The IRA broke through decades of unchecked pharmaceutical power. Now those reforms must be defended against further assaults from the Trump administration. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/medicare-negotiation-is-working-but-the-trump-administrations-rollbacks-diminish-potential-savings/
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
The GAO released a report last week on health savings accounts (HSAs) reaffirming that HSAs do little to help people with low and moderate incomes – who would be hurt the most if Congress lets premium tax credit enhancements expire.
GAO-25-107480, HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: Information on Features and Use,
and Characteristics of Account Holders
files.gao.gov
November 24, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The GAO released a report last week on health savings accounts (HSAs) reaffirming that HSAs do little to help people with low and moderate incomes – who would be hurt the most if Congress lets premium tax credit enhancements expire.
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
As the federal government dismantles the national vaccine infrastructure, the burden to protect and preserve access to lifesaving vaccines increasingly falls on states. Read 6 ways states can, and already are, taking action to fill the void. www.americanprogress.org/article/6-wa...
6 Ways States Can Protect Vaccine Access While the Trump Administration Dismantles the Federal System
As the federal government dismantles the country’s vaccine infrastructure, the burden of ensuring access to vaccines for flu, measles, and more is shifting to states.
www.americanprogress.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
As the federal government dismantles the national vaccine infrastructure, the burden to protect and preserve access to lifesaving vaccines increasingly falls on states. Read 6 ways states can, and already are, taking action to fill the void. www.americanprogress.org/article/6-wa...
Reposted by Natasha Murphy
Save the date!
This Thursday, 11/20 at 6 PM EDT, join @rweingarten.bsky.social, Emily Gee (@americanprogress.bsky.social) & Leslie Dach (@protectourcare.org) for a webinar on Washington’s budget battles & how they drive up healthcare costs.
Please register below. aft.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
This Thursday, 11/20 at 6 PM EDT, join @rweingarten.bsky.social, Emily Gee (@americanprogress.bsky.social) & Leslie Dach (@protectourcare.org) for a webinar on Washington’s budget battles & how they drive up healthcare costs.
Please register below. aft.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
November 18, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Save the date!
This Thursday, 11/20 at 6 PM EDT, join @rweingarten.bsky.social, Emily Gee (@americanprogress.bsky.social) & Leslie Dach (@protectourcare.org) for a webinar on Washington’s budget battles & how they drive up healthcare costs.
Please register below. aft.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
This Thursday, 11/20 at 6 PM EDT, join @rweingarten.bsky.social, Emily Gee (@americanprogress.bsky.social) & Leslie Dach (@protectourcare.org) for a webinar on Washington’s budget battles & how they drive up healthcare costs.
Please register below. aft.zoom.us/meeting/regi...