Senators from both parties are working on a bipartisan package to restart expired ACA premium subsidies, with talks focused on a two-year extension that would include income caps, an end to zero-dollar premiums and a longer open enrollment window. The Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for most abortions, remains the central sticking point despite calls for flexibility from the White House. A separate three-year House proposal faces Senate GOP opposition, increasing the pressure on negotiators. Passage in the Senate would likely require broad Republican support — roughly 35 votes per party — and agreement from Senate leaders.
Senators Near Bipartisan Deal To Restore ACA Subsidies, Hyde Amendment Remains Sticking Point
A bipartisan group of senators is racing to finalize an agreement to restart expired premium subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), people familiar with the talks say. Lawmakers are aiming for a quick resolution to avoid disruptions to coverage for millions of Americans.
The framework under discussion would extend subsidies for two years, impose income caps for eligibility, eliminate so-called 'zero-dollar' premium plans, and lengthen the open enrollment period from Jan. 15 to March 1.
Negotiators say they are close to a compromise mechanism to address restrictions tied to the Hyde Amendment, which bars federal funding for most abortions. That issue has emerged as the chief obstacle to a final deal.
The House is scheduled to vote Wednesday on a separate three-year extension of the lapsed subsidies, but that proposal has already been rejected by Senate Republicans — heightening pressure on the Senate negotiating group to produce a bipartisan alternative.
'A strong House vote will give us some momentum in the Senate, and we should have a draft ready soon,' said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), noting that President Trump's recent call for flexibility on Hyde has been 'helpful.'
Several Republican senators have stressed their commitment to preserving Hyde protections. 'I’m unapologetically for Hyde,' said Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told Semafor that many Republicans view Hyde as a long-standing principle.
The White House has pushed proposals to shift subsidies into health savings accounts, an approach Democrats oppose, adding another layer of complexity. For now, lawmakers point to a small bipartisan negotiating group — including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) — as the most plausible vehicle for a compromise.
Senate leaders say passage would require substantial Republican backing. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has warned it will take a 'big vote on the Republican side' to advance legislation; senators estimate roughly 35 votes from each party could be necessary to secure approval and persuade leadership to move forward.
If Congress fails to act, the lapse in subsidies could become a major campaign issue next year. The political stakes and persistent partisan divisions mean negotiators face both policy trade-offs and significant political challenges before any deal could reach the president's desk.
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