Senate Struggles with Obamacare Subsidies Amidst Political Divisions

Members of Congress left Washington, D.C. for their holiday vacation without taking steps to extend subsidies that help make health insurance more affordable under the Affordable Care Act marketplace. This impacts over 50,000 Mainers, many of whom are self-employed or small business owners.

However, four Republican House members—Brian Fitzpatrick, Rob Bresnahan, Ryan Mackenzie, and Mike Lawler—broke ranks to support a petition requiring a vote on a Democrat-backed measure to extend these subsidies for three years.

While this petition does not guarantee passage, it is a positive development. President Donald Trump addressed the nation last week, attempting to portray the economy as healthy, despite widespread economic difficulties faced by Americans.

He suggested that Americans stop complaining and instead believe that there is no economic hardship. Critics argue that if the president truly wanted to demonstrate concern for economic struggles, he should support extending the ACA subsidies rather than offering monetary aid that falls short of covering rising health insurance costs.

Maines congressional delegation has shown support for extending these subsidies, with Senator Susan Collins being one of only four Republicans in the Senate to vote in favor of a Democratic measure that ultimately failed.

Collins also backed a Republican proposal to replace the subsidies with payments of up to $1,500 per person enrolled, which also failed. She has been working on a bipartisan measure to extend the subsidies for two years with income caps.

The subsidies are critical; without them, millions may forgo health insurance or turn to low-coverage plans, jeopardizing their health and finances. Congress returns from the holiday break with an opportunity to address these pressing concerns about health insurance affordability.