President Trump says he has held private talks with "some Democrats" about redirecting enhanced ACA subsidies into cash or health accounts so individuals can buy their own insurance, but reporters who reached out to about two dozen congressional offices found no one who would confirm such contact. The White House declined to identify any Democratic interlocutors. Democratic leaders and several senators denied being contacted, while some bipartisan discussions continue about the fate of expiring ACA subsidies. Experts warn that direct cash payments into health accounts could threaten the ACA's stability and insurance markets.
Trump Says He’s Discussing Cash-for-Coverage Plan with Democrats — No One Will Confirm
President Trump says he has held private talks with "some Democrats" about redirecting enhanced ACA subsidies into cash or health accounts so individuals can buy their own insurance, but reporters who reached out to about two dozen congressional offices found no one who would confirm such contact. The White House declined to identify any Democratic interlocutors. Democratic leaders and several senators denied being contacted, while some bipartisan discussions continue about the fate of expiring ACA subsidies. Experts warn that direct cash payments into health accounts could threaten the ACA's stability and insurance markets.
03:32 PM, 11/19/2025Politics
President Donald Trump said he has held “personal talks with some Democrats” about a proposal to redirect enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidy funds into cash or health accounts that people could use to buy their own insurance. Reporters contacted roughly two dozen House and Senate offices; none acknowledged being in touch with the White House about the proposal.
What the president said
On Sunday, Trump described a plan to take what he called the enhanced ACA subsidy money and "pay it back to the people of our country" so they could "go out and buy health insurance" or deposit funds into health accounts. When asked to identify the Democrats he claimed to be consulting, he declined: "I can't tell you who they are. I just don't want to do that."
White House response
The White House declined to provide names or details about the conversations. A spokesperson said the administration is focused on reducing health costs and would not disclose the president's private discussions.
Democrats deny contact
Democratic leaders and Senate offices contacted for comment said they were unaware of any members speaking with the president. "Lol no," one Senate Democratic spokesperson replied when asked if the president had reached out. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "I have no idea what Donald Trump is talking about," and denied any conversations with the president.
Other Democratic offices gave similar responses. Sen. Tammy Baldwin's spokesperson noted she has long awaited a call from the president to explain any health-plan concept beyond repealing the ACA. Senators Dick Durbin and Catherine Cortez Masto, and Sen. Bernie Sanders — the top Democrat on the Senate HELP Committee — were also reported not to have spoken with Trump about the proposal.
Bipartisan talks on subsidies but not necessarily with the White House
Separately, some lawmakers from both parties are privately discussing options for expiring enhanced ACA subsidies and other short-term fixes. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) said he is in a group text with lawmakers including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) about what could pass both chambers. But lawmakers emphasized that admitting contact with Trump carries political risks, and that any permanent legislative change would likely require bipartisan cooperation given narrow Republican margins in Congress.
Policy concerns
Policy experts warn that channeling federal subsidy funds directly into cash payments or health savings accounts could undermine protections under the Affordable Care Act and risk destabilizing insurance markets. Critics say the approach could shift costs onto older or sicker consumers and weaken the structure that keeps premiums and enrollment stable.
Reporting contributed by Cheyenne Haslett, Myah Ward and Robert King.