In this direct, no-filter conversation, Tom Quigley tackles the question dominating American households, employers, and policymakers right now:
Will the enhanced ACA subsidies sunset — or will politicians cave and extend them?
Tom breaks down the math, the politics, the corruption, and the sheer incompetence swirling in Washington as lawmakers try to figure out what the hell to do with a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. He doesn’t hold back, calling out both parties, the lobbyists, the insurance companies, and the total lack of understanding lawmakers have about how insurance actually works.
This episode is Tom at full force: blunt, sharp, and brutally honest — dropping insight after insight on how subsidies interact with employer insurance, why the math is being ignored, and how the entire debate is based on false assumptions about what consumers understand (spoiler: they don’t).
Politically, Democrats want subsidies extended.
Some Republicans can’t afford to vote against them or they risk losing tight races.
Tom predicts:
Maybe a one-year extension
Maybe another compromise
Definitely more confusion
The real issue: Both parties are missing the mathematical reality.
Tom explains the hidden truth:
A 25-person group paying $500,000 annually in premiums → NOT taxable
If 20 employees move to subsidies and only 5 remain on the plan → employer pays $100,000
The remaining $400,000 becomes taxable income
That taxable income more than offsets the cost of extending subsidies
Yet politicians never include this in their budget debates.
Tom:
“They have NO clue what they’re talking about when they go on TV. Not one.”
Middle-class families get crushed — especially two-income households.
One $2,000 raise could push a family over the subsidy threshold → they owe the full subsidy back.
Without subsidies, millions can’t afford premiums and hospitals get slammed with unpaid care.
Politically, Republicans know this could cost them elections.
Tom’s take:
“If I’m the Democratic candidate, I’m hiring someone like me to explain exactly how the Republicans are screwing people.”
There’s talk of giving people subsidy money directly.
Tom laughs:
“They’ll use the money for Thanksgiving or Christmas — not deductibles.”
Neil adds:
“Or put it down on a car.”
Tom says the only way cash transfers could work is with a locked medical card and someone advising them — otherwise it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Tom outlines a reality no politician will touch:
The ACA would’ve been fine if networks were left alone.
The 10 essential benefits requirement blew up premiums.
Insurance companies and hospitals have been fleecing America ever since.
Lobbyists have blocked nearly every reform that could lower costs.
Tom’s national fix would solve everything overnight:
$50,000 deductible on every American
Government reinsures everything above it
Employers allowed to self-fund below that amount
No employer mandate
Real competition underneath
Tom:
“But they don’t want solutions. They get elected by scaring everyone.”
Tom doesn’t hold back:
“Nancy Pelosi was 85 years old. What is she still doing in Congress?”
“Our forefathers wanted one or two terms and you're out — now you need a billion dollars to run.”
Businesses must prepare now — subsidies may or may not be extended, and chaos is guaranteed.
ClaimLinx can reduce exposure, lower costs, and help employers navigate either outcome.
Move employees to subsidies when appropriate — the taxable income created offsets tax burdens.
Stop trusting politicians — trust the math.
Have a 2026 strategy ready before the government announces anything.
“They don’t understand deductibles, co-insurance, or copays — and you want to hand them $6,000 and expect them to be wise consumers?” — Tom Quigley
“This isn’t health insurance. It’s a tax break with rules. Learn the rules.” — Tom Quigley
“Insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceuticals — they’re all fleecing America.” — Tom Quigley
👉 Website: www.ClaimLinx.com