Overview
- The Senate rejected both a three-year extension of enhanced ACA subsidies and a GOP HSA-based alternative in 51–48 votes that fell short of the 60 needed, with a few Republicans backing the Democratic measure and Sen. Rand Paul opposing the GOP plan.
- House Republican leaders released a package that omits an extension of the enhanced subsidies, instead proposing to expand association health plans, tighten PBM transparency, and restore cost-sharing reduction payments beginning in 2027, with a floor vote expected next week.
- GOP leaders say a subsidy-related amendment could get a House vote, with centrist Republican Brian Fitzpatrick helping craft language as negotiations continue.
- Discharge petitions to force votes on temporary extensions gained traction, including Fitzpatrick’s two-year plan with anti-fraud provisions signed by at least a dozen Republicans and a one-year proposal from Rep. Josh Gottheimer that had 39 signatories as of Friday.
- Analysts project average premiums would more than double—about $1,000 on average—and roughly 2 million more people could become uninsured if the enhanced credits lapse, while Covered California warns 400,000 could be priced out and reports new enrollment is down over 30%.