Ballooning Health Premiums Sharpen Midterm Campaign Messaging

Lower-income individuals in one of Pennsylvania’s most contested congressional districts are facing eye-popping increases in their health insurance premium payments—some as much as eight times more than last year.

In a district encompassing the Lehigh Valley, enrollees in Obamacare plans who make roughly $22,000 to $24,000 will pay 814% more for their premium payments, according to data from Pennsylvania Health Insurance Exchange Authority, also known as Pennie, which is the state’s health insurance marketplace.

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), who represents that 7th District and is seen as one of the most vulnerable members this cycle, joined 16 other House ...