URGENT UPDATE: House Republicans are racing against the clock to finalize a health care plan ahead of a critical deadline. With insurance premiums poised to surge for millions of Americans starting January 1, 2024, lawmakers must act before December 31 to extend vital subsidies for the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Amid intense pressure, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced plans for a floor vote next week. However, deep divisions persist within the party on whether any proposed plan should extend ACA subsidies, which are set to expire soon.
Insurance premiums could skyrocket, impacting millions, if Congress fails to act. The urgency for Republicans is heightened by the upcoming midterm elections, where they aim to protect their fragile majorities in both the House and Senate. “The consensus is we need to come up with something,” said Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), following a closed-door GOP meeting.
In a bid to appease conservatives, Johnson’s leadership team is reportedly considering a proposal that would not extend ACA subsidies but would offer alternative funds to help defray health care costs. However, many Republicans facing tough electoral battles argue that a bipartisan approach, including subsidy extensions, is essential.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) cautioned fellow Republicans that excluding ACA funding could backfire, allowing moderates to team up with Democrats to push through a more favorable bill via a discharge petition. This petition requires a majority of the House, meaning bipartisan cooperation would be necessary.
Inside the GOP meeting, discussions included expanding health savings accounts and additional funding for cost-sharing reductions. “We have some low-hanging fruit,” Johnson stated, emphasizing the need for unity among Republicans. However, others raised concerns that a comprehensive overhaul of the ACA would require much more time and consensus.
Over a dozen House Republicans, primarily from swing districts, have signed a bipartisan framework led by Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) aimed at extending ACA subsidies for two years. Their approach includes modifications to the existing funding, but many in the GOP remain staunchly opposed to any measure that would support “Obamacare.”
As the clock ticks down, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) has introduced his own plan to extend ACA subsidies, threatening to file a discharge petition if GOP leadership fails to act. “That’s going to be our best product we can put together,” Fitzpatrick asserted.
The stakes are incredibly high. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) warned that allowing subsidies to lapse could jeopardize Republican seats in the upcoming elections. “If you’re a conservative and you’re a Republican, do you want a Democrat majority next year? I don’t think so,” he stated emphatically.
Despite the urgency, any legislation passed by the House would still face significant hurdles in the Senate. The timeline is tight, and the expiration of ACA funding could occur before any vote takes place.
Democratic leaders are urging Republicans to prioritize the extension of ACA tax credits. “These ACA tax credits expire at the end of this month,” Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) warned, emphasizing the pressing need for action to prevent soaring health care costs for Americans.
As House Republicans grapple with these challenges, all eyes are on whether they can unify behind a plan that addresses the urgent needs of their constituents while navigating the complexities of health care reform. What happens next will be pivotal not only for health care policy but also for the political landscape heading into the midterms.
