House Republicans Introduce Health Care Plan Excluding ACA Subsidy Extension
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House Republicans have proposed a health care package aimed at reducing costs, notably omitting the extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies.
House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, have introduced a health care package designed to address rising costs. The proposal includes expanding association health plans, implementing new transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers to lower drug costs, and allocating funds for cost-sharing reductions to decrease premiums in the individual market. Association health plans would enable employers to collaborate in purchasing coverage. Notably, the 111-page measure does not allocate additional funds to health savings accounts.
"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," Johnson stated on Friday.
Republicans are also considering a vote on an amendment to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, with specifics still under discussion, according to GOP leadership aides. The Rules Committee plans to review the bill on Tuesday, followed by House votes on the amendment and the underlying bill before sending it to the Senate.
President Donald Trump expressed a desire for a health care plan that directs aid to patients, suggesting that funds should be provided to individuals through insurance accounts. He indicated openness to extending ACA tax credits, stating he would "look into" the possibility, provided certain Republican conditions are met.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the Republican proposal, calling it "toxic legislation" that fails to address the impending increase in ACA premiums. He emphasized Democrats' willingness to collaborate with Republicans to prevent the expiration of ACA tax credits at the end of the month.
As of Thursday, 11 House Republicans have signed onto two discharge petitions aimed at extending the expiring subsidies, indicating internal party divisions. Even if the measure passes the House, the Senate is unlikely to take significant action on health care next week, making the lapse of enhanced premium subsidies almost certain.
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