Dear Neighbor,
Over the past few weeks, my office has heard from many constituents who are deeply concerned about major increases in their health insurance premiums through Pennie. Some families are seeing their monthly costs rise by as much as 400%, putting health care coverage out of reach for themselves and their loved ones.
Right now, about half a million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Pennie. Starting in 2026, premiums are expected to rise by an average of 82%. In Delaware County almost 22,000 people get health insurance through Pennie, and they will see an average increase of 61%. For many, this will mean impossible choices between paying for health care and other necessities. In Delaware County, Pennie is providing insurance for small business owners, self-employed professionals and workers laid off from Crozer that haven’t been able to find jobs yet.
Why are premiums increasing so sharply? A major reason is the expiration of the Federal Enhanced Premium Tax Credits, which, since 2021, have helped lower the cost of coverage. These credits ensured that no family paid more than 8.5% of their household income for Pennie coverage. Without them, some families may now face costs exceeding 40% of their household income. This is a devastating increase for working- and middle-class families who are already struggling with rising costs for other necessities due to inflation.
Instead of protecting these tax credits, Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill, which gave massive tax cuts to millionaires and corporations while slashing Medicaid funding. This federal budget bill also eliminated the tax credits that kept Pennie coverage affordable. Pennie has estimated that, without these credits, up to 245,000 Pennsylvanians may drop their health insurance altogether due to the high cost.
In Delaware County, the average annual loss of federal premium tax credits per policy is $1,435. Enrollees between the ages of 45 and 64 make up the largest share of Pennie enrollment, and they will be among the hardest hit by these changes.
Pennsylvanians need these tax credits to afford their coverage. That’s why I strongly urge you to share your story with your federal elected officials if you are one of the people impacted by these premium hikes. Let them know how these changes affect you and your family. Your story matters.
If you get your insurance through Pennie, you can visit https://pennie.com/costs/ to see how these changes affect you.
You can start exploring other plans to find one that fits your needs. The 2026 open enrollment period begins November 1, 2025, for coverage starting in 2026. You can also go to pennie.com/connect to find Pennie-certified assisters and brokers by your ZIP code.
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On Friday, Prospect Medical Holdings, the hedge fund that forced Crozer Health into bankruptcy earlier this year, scheduled a bankruptcy auction for Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Springfield Hospital. According to the documents filed in court, the deadline to submit a bid for the closed hospitals is Oct. 7. If Prospect receives enough qualified bids, there will be a virtual auction Oct. 10.
The bankruptcy auction came as a surprise since both properties have bids from qualified bidders that Prospect has sat on for months. This auction appears to be a way for Prospect to get the most money possible for the buildings without having to consider who the most responsible buyer would be. Prospect’s announcement came just a week after Springfield Township went to court to file an injunction against Prospect, the Foundation for Delaware County, the Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County and Ventas Inc. after citing safety concerns with the parking garage. This lawsuit impacts both the Healthplex and the childcare center operated by the YMCA at that location. One source told me that the sudden auction appears to be Prospect’s tactic to “wash their hands of an asset that all kinds of problems.”
In the meantime, there has been another update regarding the dates for Prospect’s upcoming bankruptcy hearings. Prospect Medical Holdings filed an emergency motion seeking approval for the sale of Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Springfield Hospital. The new hearing dates are scheduled for today, Tuesday, September 30, at 2:30 p.m., and next Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
As a reminder, it is not unusual for courts to change hearing dates. Therefore, I encourage you to regularly check the website Prospect Medical Holdings has created to share public information, including court documents, updated hearing dates, and a link to watch the upcoming hearings. You can find the site here: https://cases.omniagentsolutions.com/?clientId=3725 and https://us-courts.webex.com/meet/jerniga
My staff and I will track these hearings and continue to share regular updates on what’s happening at Crozer.
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Americans for Contraception
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It was a busy day in Harrisburg on Monday. I spoke at a press conference hosted by Americans for Contraception to highlight the urgent need to protect access to contraceptives in Pennsylvania. Right now, our state has no law guaranteeing access to contraceptives. With access to health care under attack at the federal level, we must make sure that Pennsylvanians can get the care they need.
Earlier this year, the House passed my bill, HB 1140—the Contraceptive Access for All Act—which ensures that Pennsylvanians can access the full range of contraceptives without unnecessary barriers. Unfortunately, even though the House passed the bill more than three months ago with bipartisan support, the Senate has yet to take any action.
This has been a long fight. Back in 2017, I introduced a similar bill because I believe contraceptives are health care. No one should lose access to the care they need simply because Pennsylvania law hasn’t caught up.
I will continue to advocate until this bill is signed into law, because protecting contraceptive access is essential for the health of Pennsylvanians.
You can watch a video of my remarks below.
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On Monday, Moms Demand Action stopped by my office to advocate for sensible gun safety legislation that was up for a second consideration vote in the House that day. I’m grateful for their tireless work and commitment to keeping our communities safe. While I’ve heard from people in our community on both sides of this issue, more have asked me to vote yes on these bills than have asked me to vote no. I plan to vote yes on the floor.
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Technology and Life Sciences Policy Roundtable
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Last Wednesday, I joined members of the PA Economic Competitiveness Caucus for a policy roundtable at Pfizer to discuss the future of life sciences and technology in Pennsylvania. We heard presentations from Pfizer and Life Sciences PA and had the opportunity to engage with legislators and stakeholders on promoting Pennsylvania as a hub for innovation, attracting top talent, and growing our economy. I am grateful for these important conversations that strengthen our state’s role in life sciences and technology.
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SEPA Maternal and Infant Survival & Equity Summit
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Earlier this month, I attended the Born to Thrive: SEPA Maternal and Infant Survival & Equity Summit, organized by Rep. Gina Curry and Nemours at Subaru Park in Chester. The summit brought together health experts, advocates, and community leaders to discuss ways to improve maternal and birth outcomes and to expand access to quality, affordable care, so families in Pennsylvania can safely and confidently begin their journey.
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Honoring Chief Joseph Montgomery, Jr.
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Last week, I had the privilege of attending the unveiling of a road sign dedicated to Chief Joseph J. Montgomery, Jr., honoring his selfless commitment to our community. A section of Route 252, running between Edgmont and Middletown Townships, has been renamed in his memory.
I was grateful to join Rep. Lisa Borowski, Senator John Kane, Chief Montgomery's family, and local first responders for this touching tribute. The dedication took place on what would have been Chief Montgomery's 56th birthday. Though his life was cut short in 2023, his legacy of service lives on through the countless lives he touched.
Chief Montgomery served alongside his brothers and sisters at Middletown Fire Company No. 1, Edgmont Township Fire Company No. 1 Station 64, Rocky Run Fire Company, and the Delaware County Park Police. His dedication and leadership continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing him.
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A Successful Clean Slate Expungement Clinic
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Last week, I hosted a Clean Slate Expungement Clinic in Brookhaven, where individuals had the opportunity to connect with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA for free guidance on clearing their records.
Thank you to Legal Aid of Southeastern PA for partnering with us to provide this important resource to the community.
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Supporting Law Enforcement Mental Health
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This weekend, I stopped by Sun Valley High School to join the Aston Police Relief Association for their first annual Walkathon for Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness.
The event served both as a fundraiser to support law enforcement and as an important reminder of the need to raise awareness about mental health. I walked in solidarity with our local police as they continued for 24 hours straight, with different departments showing up to walk each hour.
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Annual Fall Shred Event in Aston
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On Saturday, I teamed up with Sen. John Kane for my annual Fall Shred Event at Northley Middle School in Aston. We had an incredible turnout—375 cars came through to securely dispose of unneeded documents.
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Mobile Drug Collection Unit was on hand to safely dispose of unused or expired medications.
A special thank-you to the Aston Township Police for assisting with traffic and keeping everyone safe.
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Brookhaven Borough held its Family Day this past Saturday, and I was glad to have a resource table at the event. It was a wonderful day for the community to come together and enjoy all the activities and entertainment the borough had planned.
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Important Programs and Services
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Phishing Alert for PA Residents
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Scammers are sending fake texts pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, trying to steal your personal and financial information by promising a refund. Don’t fall for it.
Important Reminder: The Department of Revenue does NOT send unsolicited text messages asking for your banking info or Social Security number.
If you receive a suspicious message:
- Don’t click any links
- Don’t reply
- Delete it immediately
To safely check your refund status, visit myPATH or call 1-888-PATAXES.
If you have questions or want to report a scam, contact:
- The Department of Revenue at 717-425-2495, Ext. 72267
- My office at 610-534-6880— we’re here to help
More info: revenue.pa.gov.
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As we approach the General Election on Tuesday, November 4, here are some key dates to remember:
- Monday, October 20 – Last day to register to vote
- Tuesday, October 28 – Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot
- Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.
- 8 p.m., Tuesday, November 4 – Deadline for mail-in and absentee ballots to be received
To register to vote or request a mail-in or absentee ballot, visit vote.pa.gov.
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October Mobile Office Hours
Woodlyn
Thursday, October 9
1 PM – 3 PM
DCHA Kinder Park – Building 4 Community Room
1857 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn
Chester Township
Tuesday, October 14
1 PM – 3PM
DCHA Fairgrounds - Bridgeview Apartments
1301 Peterson St., Chester Township
Crum Lynne
Thursday, October 16
1 PM – 3 PM
American Legion FA Scott Post 777
137 Walter St., Crum Lynne
Upland Borough
Tuesday, October 21
1 PM – 3 PM
MacQueen Hall – 224 Castle Ave., Upland
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Upcoming PA Medi Webinars
Please register by calling 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net
Medicare Updates
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
6 PM – 7 PM
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Medicare 101
Monday, November 3, 2025
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
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Medicare Drug & Advantage Plan Comparisons
Monday, November 10, 2025
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
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Veterans Appreciation Lunch
Thursday, October 23
11 AM – 1 PM
American Legion Hall, Post 926
3220 Concord Rd., Aston, PA 19014
To RSVP, call 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net
Veterans and family members are invited to this event that I am co-hosting with Sen. John Kane for a FREE lunch and to learn about government-related programs and services available.
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Happening in the Community
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Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Saturday, October 11
Upper Chichester Municipal Building
8500 Furey Rd., Upper Chichester, PA 19061
Register at delcohhw.eventbrite.com
For additional information call 610-892-9620
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Fall Hiring Fest
Tuesday, October 14
11 AM – 2 PM
Springfield YMCA
194 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield
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DCIU Fall Career Fair
October 15, 2025
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
DCIU Aston Campus
100 Crozerville Rd., Aston
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
512-E Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202161
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2161
(717) 705-2567
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District Office
115 E. Brookhaven Rd.
Brookhaven, PA 19015
(610) 534-6880
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