Republicans race to finalize health insurance plans before subsidy deadline
Republicans in Congress are pushing forward with new health insurance proposals ahead of a key deadline. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that Senators Bill Cassidy and Mike Crapo will unveil their plan in the Senate next week. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise is set to present specific bills to the House GOP conference on Wednesday.
The focus is on addressing the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies at the end of the year, though party members remain divided on the best approach.
The Republican-led efforts come as lawmakers race to agree on a path forward before the current care credit lapse. Scalise has been coordinating with chairs from three House committees to refine the proposals. On Tuesday, he met with a cross-section of members and committee leaders to gauge support.
The House GOP conference meeting on Wednesday will determine which proposals have enough backing for votes next week. Scalise expressed confidence that members would find common ground on at least a few measures. The discussion is expected to include a vote on extending ObamaCare premium subsidies, though opinions vary on how to handle them.
In the Senate, Cassidy and Crapo’s plan aims to make insurance premiums more affordable. Their approach contrasts with Democratic calls to extend the subsidies unchanged for three years. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans favour a short-term extension paired with reforms, while others prefer letting the subsidies expire and tackling affordability separately.
The proposals under consideration are concrete bills, not just broad ideas. Lawmakers are under pressure to act before the care credit runs out, but divisions within the party could complicate the process.
The coming days will reveal whether Republicans can unite behind specific health care measures. Scalise’s presentation to the House GOP conference will clarify which proposals have enough support for votes next week. The outcome will shape how the party addresses the looming expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
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