House GOP Proposes Health Care Plan Without ACA Subsidies

House Republican leaders have unveiled a health care proposal that notably lacks an extension of the Affordable Care Act's premium tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of the year, potentially impacting more than 20 million Americans.

According to CBS News, although Republican leaders plan to allow a vote on an amendment to include an extension of these tax credits, this has created division within the party, especially among moderates seeking to counteract the looming premium increases.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that the Republican plan aims to address the real drivers of health care costs while providing more access and choice. The proposal includes measures to expand association health plans, which allow small businesses to band together to purchase coverage, and seeks greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers to lower drug costs.

However, critics argue that the plan offers skimpier coverage than required under the ACA, as reported by The Guardian. Additionally, while the proposal mentions cost-sharing reduction payments for some lower-income Americans, those would not be effective until 2027.

The Democratic response, as stated by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, condemns the GOP's plan as unserious and potentially harmful to American taxpayers. The ongoing debate highlights the stark partisan divides over health care policy, with moderates from both parties pushing for a temporary extension of the ACA subsidies to prevent significant premium increases in 2024.

As Congress approaches its year-end deadline, the prospects for any consensus solution remain uncertain.