Ruthless Podcast: Rep. Guthrie Warns Against Endless Subsidies for Insurance Giants as Families Face Rising Healthcare Costs

In a recent episode of the Ruthless Podcast, Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) joined the hosts to discuss the government shutdown, ACA tax credits, and the rise in health insurance premiums. One key takeaway? The current system is forcing American taxpayers to subsidize insurance companies while healthcare becomes increasingly unaffordable for everyday families. 

Guthrie put it plainly: “All you're doing is chasing a higher number, and what we want to do is bring the number down for everybody.” 

One of the hosts added: “Turns out when the backstop is the American taxpayer, things don’t suddenly get cheaper.” 

Rather than reducing costs for patients, these subsidies are fueling profits for insurance giants. UnitedHealth, for example, reported a staggering third-quarter revenue of $113.2 billion, up from $100.8 billion the previous year. 

As Rep. Guthrie and the podcast hosts point out, this system is unsustainable. Taxpayers are footing the bill while insurers continue to benefit. It’s time for real reform: one that holds insurance companies accountable and ensures taxpayer dollars actually benefit patients, not corporate bottom lines.