House Republicans unveiled a health-care package intended to tackle rising premiums tied to the pending year-end expiration of ACA tax credits that could affect more than 20 million people. The bill does not itself extend subsidies but permits an amendment vote to do so — a move aimed at moderates seeking short-term extensions with reforms. The proposal would expand association health plans, fund cost-sharing reductions, and increase transparency for pharmacy benefit managers. The House Rules Committee could consider the measure Tuesday, with a floor vote possible later this week, though passage is uncertain.
House Republicans Unveil Health-Care Plan as ACA Tax Credits Near Expiration — Vote Could Come This Week
Washington — House Republican leaders on Friday released a health-care proposal aimed at addressing rising premiums tied to the imminent year-end expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits — a lapse that could sharply increase premiums for more than 20 million Americans.
What the GOP Plan Includes
The bill itself does not extend the ACA subsidies. Instead, GOP leaders said they will allow an amendment vote that could extend the expiring tax credits, a procedural move intended to placate moderate Republicans who have pushed for separate floor votes through a discharge petition.
The Republican package includes several policy changes: an expansion of association health plans, which let multiple employers pool together to buy coverage and potentially lower benefit costs; funding for cost-sharing reduction (CSR) payments aimed at lowering premiums for some ACA enrollees; and enhanced transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers to help curb prescription drug costs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson: "While Democrats demand that taxpayers write bigger checks to insurance companies to hide the cost of their failed law, House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care, increase access and choice, and restore integrity to our nation's health care system for all Americans."
Politics And Prospects
Republicans remain divided over an extension of subsidies: some oppose it on the grounds of fraud and the eligibility of higher-income households, while moderates are seeking short-term extensions with reforms. Democrats have pushed for a clean, three-year extension — a demand Republicans have rejected.
The House Rules Committee is scheduled to consider the package Tuesday afternoon, potentially clearing the way for a floor vote as soon as Tuesday night or Wednesday. It is unclear whether the measure can secure the votes needed to pass the full House.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: "House Democrats will continue our fight to protect the healthcare of the American people. We are ready to work with anyone in good faith on the other side of the aisle who wants to prevent the Affordable Care Act tax credits from expiring at the end of the month." Jeffries called the GOP proposal an "11th hour measure" and said he would oppose it if it reaches the floor.
The coming days will determine whether the amendment approach satisfies moderates and whether the broader conference can unite behind the package — or whether separate efforts to pass an extension will proceed.
