Tammy’s efforts to improve the Affordable Care Act for Wisconsin

This week, the Treasury Department acknowledged Senator Baldwin’s call to make it easier for Americans experiencing certain dire circumstances - like domestic abuse - to access quality, affordable health care under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
 
Currently, married individuals must file a joint tax return in order to receive premium tax credits provided by the ACA to help purchase health insurance. But, for some married individuals it is dangerous or even impossible to file a joint tax return with their spouse. For example, victims of domestic violence may opt against filing a joint return in order to keep their whereabouts secret from an abusive spouse.  In addition, spouses who have been abandoned or victims of financial fraud in marriage may not be able to file a joint return. Tammy believes that individuals in challenging circumstances who need to file individual tax returns should not be hit with higher health care costs. These Americans should have access to the ACA tax credits they need and deserve.
 
Recognizing the need for action, Tammy recently sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, urging swift guidance to allow married individuals in challenging circumstances to file a separate tax return in order to receive premium tax credits:
 
“I have personally heard concerns from constituents in my home state who have not been able to receive the premium tax credits they deserve because they are married but, due to unique circumstances, are not able to file a joint return. Individuals in such difficult situations should not be penalized with higher costs for health coverage." - Senator Baldwin
 
Last week Wednesday, in response to Tammy’s request, the Treasury Department issued guidance to allow domestic violence victims to claim a premium assistance tax credit for 2014 when filing separately from their spouse. Further guidance to be released this spring will address individuals in other circumstances that create obstacles to filing a joint return.
 
The health law isn't perfect, but the American people deserve to know their coverage will be there when they need it most. In Wisconsin, our state motto is one word: "Forward." Throughout our state's history, that motto has rung true in our leadership in extending high-quality, affordable health care. Wisconsin has a proud tradition of advancing health care reforms and Tammy is committed to working across party lines and will continue to make sure that America's health care law works for Wisconsin and fix what doesn't.
 
You can read a copy of Tammy’s letter here, and the letter from the Treasury Department here.