ICYMI: Steve Daines Skips ACA Vote, Lets Thousands of Montana Premiums Increase
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, December 12th, 2025
CONTACT
press@montanademocrats.org
Helena, MT – Yesterday, in an unbelievable show of disrespect, Sen. Steve Daines opted to skip two healthcare votes in Congress, rather than protect the 67,000 Montanans facing skyrocketing premiums. A Democratic extension of ACA subsidies and a Republican alternative healthcare plan were both on the agenda.
According to Montana Free Press reporting, Montanans have seen their estimated 2026 health insurance premiums increase by up to 270% – over $1,000 a month, on top of other monthly expenses like rent and childcare.
ACA subsidies are slated to expire on December 31st and the Senate is expected to adjourn for the holidays on December 19 – It remains questionable if Republican leadership will pass a bill prior to their vacation. Montanans are watching to see if the Republican-led Congress will govern for everyone, not just the rich.
In response to Sen. Steve Daines’ choice to increase Montanans’ healthcare costs, Justin Ailport, the interim executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, released the following statement:
“Steve Daines has one job: to vote the way the people of Montana tell him to. While 67,000 Montanans are being priced out of their health insurance and our rural healthcare systems fight tooth and nail to stay open, he didn’t even bother showing up to vote no on extending ACA subsidies.
Hard-working Montanans show up to work day in and day out – no excuses. They don’t get the fancy insurance or the paid vacations that Daines gets. If Senator Daines doesn’t care if Montanans have healthcare, Montanans don’t care if Daines has a job next year.”
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