Congress Fails to Extend Healthcare Subsidies Amidst Holiday Recess

Congress is departing for the holiday recess without a deal to extend healthcare subsidies, leaving millions of Americans facing potential increases in health insurance costs. According to Salon, the last votes of the year were cast without addressing the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which are set to expire on December 31.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that lawmakers would revisit the issue in January, while a GOP-led healthcare package passed by the House does not include subsidy extensions. As reported by ABC7 San Francisco, the expiration of these subsidies could lead to premiums doubling for many, with middle-income families particularly affected.

Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, stated that average premiums could increase from approximately $74 to $158 a month after the subsidies expire, which could mean an additional $500 monthly cost for some families.

Representative Kevin Mullin expressed frustration, noting that constituents are already preparing for significant hikes, with one individual potentially facing a $1,000 increase. Furthermore, the implications could extend to hospitals and clinics facing more uninsured patients unable to pay, according to Altman.