Rep. Gillen and House Minority Whip Clark Hold Fireside Chat on Impacts of Rising Healthcare Costs on Long Island

October 16, 2026 Press Release Image Watch the full conversation HERE . GARDEN CITY, NY — Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04) and Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05) hosted a fireside chat with Nassau County residents and leaders at Harmony Health in Garden City to discuss how rising healthcare costs are affecting Long Island and the country. Both lawmakers discussed a path in Congress to lower healthcare costs, extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits and reverse the $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). "Long Island’s hardworking families, care workers and providers are being crushed by rising healthcare costs and the GOP majority’s $1 trillion cut to Americans’ coverage,” said Rep. Gillen. “Alongside Whip Clark, we’re fighting to pass bipartisan solutions to reverse these cuts, restore the ACA tax credits, lower costs and protect the people who care for us. Together in Congress, we will continue working to ensure that quality healthcare is more affordable for all Americans.” “Congresswoman Laura Gillen is fighting every day for the quality, affordable healthcare that Long Island families deserve," said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “It was a privilege to join her in the 4th District of New York and discuss House Democrats’ agenda to deliver for working families. In the 120th Congress, we will reverse this administration’s harmful cuts and pass legislation to ensure everyone can get the medical care they need, when they need it.” “Congresswoman Gillen has been a strong and consistent advocate for healthcare and for the needs of the communities we serve, and we are deeply grateful for her continued support” said David Nemiroff, Chief Executive Officer of Harmony Healthcare Long Island . “We also extend our sincere thanks to Whip Clark for coming to Long Island and lending her voice and leadership to this critical issue. At a time when access to affordable, high-quality healthcare is more important than ever for our patients and families, this level of advocacy and engagement makes a meaningful difference. We appreciate their partnership and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our communities.” During the conversation, Whip Clark expanded on House Democrats’ plan to restore expired federal ACA tax credits, which lowered health insurance premiums by thousands of dollars for some Nassau County residents. In January, Clark and Gillen helped pass a bipartisan three-year extension of the tax credits in the House, which now awaits passage in the Senate. Whip Clark and Rep. Gillen also discussed the impact of the administration’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian recipients on Long Island’s healthcare workforce. In April, the House passed Rep. Gillen’s legislation to extend TPS for Haitians with bipartisan support. Rep. Gillen highlighted the impact of rising healthcare costs on Long Island families, including Floral Park resident Karen Brandon. Brandon’s healthcare premiums tripled from $600 per month to $1,900 per month after ACA premium tax credits expired in 2025. Since taking office, Rep. Gillen has worked to expand access to affordable, high-quality healthcare and protect critical health programs for Long Island families. She has fought against cuts to Medicaid and SNAP in the OBBBA, led and signed bipartisan letters opposing policies that would increase healthcare costs or jeopardize cancer research and safety-net hospitals and called on congressional leadership to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Rep. Gillen has also supported legislation to lower prescription drug costs by expanding Medicare drug price negotiations, permanently extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. Additionally, she has championed bipartisan legislation to protect safety-net hospitals, streamline Medicare Advantage prior authorization for seniors and increase transparency and affordability in dental and vision coverage. To watch the full conversation, click HERE . ### Issues : In the District Lowering Costs Health