NEW YORK (AP) — As the U.S. Senate prepares to vote on rival health care bills, lawmakers are aiming to tackle the looming crisis of expiring COVID-era subsidies that threaten to significantly increase insurance costs for millions of Americans. With just three weeks left before the subsidies expire at the end of the year, experts warn that those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act could see their average premium payments soar by 114%. In response, Democrats are advocating for an extension of the subsidies, which they argue are vital for maintaining insurance coverage for many low and middle-income individuals. Conversely, Republicans support a plan that replaces these subsidies with health savings accounts, aimed at providing direct financial assistance but potentially leading to gaps in coverage. As the political stakes escalate, the focus on health care affordability is expected to intensify in the lead-up to the midterm elections.
Partisan Voting Looms Over Healthcare Subsidies as Midnight Deadline Approaches
Partisan Voting Looms Over Healthcare Subsidies as Midnight Deadline Approaches
The U.S. Senate is preparing to vote on competing health care bills as the expiration of COVID-era ACA subsidies threatens to raise insurance costs for millions of Americans.
The U.S. Senate is set to vote on partisan health care bills that address the impending expiration of COVID-era Affordable Care Act subsidies. With only three weeks until the subsidies run out, millions risk facing an average premium increase of 114%. While Democrats push for an extension of the subsidies, Republicans propose an alternative plan reliant on health savings accounts. The political stakes are heightened as voter concerns about rising health care costs loom large ahead of the 2026 midterms.
