22 Million Americans Could See Insurance Costs Double if ACA Credits Lapse
If the enhanced premium tax credits lapse, insurance costs are expected to double for about 22 million people who get their coverage through the Affordable Care Act. The petition, led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), already has the support of all 214 Democrats, as per a NBC News report.
Four House Republicans Join Discharge Petition to Force Obamacare Subsidy Vote
The four Republicans who signed on Wednesday morning were Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), and Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pa.), as per the report. All represent competitive districts that could be crucial for the GOP’s narrow House majority in November. Democrats have criticized them for being complicit in the potential lapse of funding, which was first passed in 2021 under former US president Biden to cap premiums for “benchmark” plans at 8.5% of income.
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Fitzpatrick said his hand was forced after Republican leadership refused to compromise on his proposed amendments. Fitzpatrick said, “House leadership then decided to reject every single one of these amendments,” adding, “As I’ve stated many times before, the only policy that is worse than a clean three-year extension without any reforms, is a policy of complete expiration without any bridge. Unfortunately, it is House leadership themselves that have forced this outcome,” as quoted by NBC News.
Most Republicans want the ACA tax credits to expire on schedule, but a small group favors an extension to prevent sharp premium hikes.
Mike Johnson Pushes ‘Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act’
The revolt comes as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is pushing a GOP bill called the “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act,” which would codify Association Health Plans, authorize cost-sharing reduction payments, and promote transparency for pharmacy benefit managers, as per the NBC News report. Johnson had negotiated with Republicans supporting an ACA extension, but those talks collapsed over the weekend, and the amendment was dropped.ALSO READ: Can humans live forever? Bryan Johnson says AI could make immortality possible by 2039
House Vote Likely Delayed Until January After Holiday Recess
Under House rules, seven legislative days must pass before a discharged bill comes to the floor. With the House scheduled to recess on Friday for a two-week holiday, the vote on the three-year extension will likely happen in the second week of January, unless Johnson expedites it.
Senate Resistance Poses Major Hurdle for ACA Subsidy Extension
Even if it passes the House, it still faces hurdles in the Senate, where Republicans recently rejected the extension. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) criticized the Covid-era ACA subsidies and said he favors a broader overhaul rather than a simple extension.
Discharge Petition Highlights Speaker Johnson’s Narrow House Majority
Wednesday’s petition also underscores the challenges Johnson faces with his slim 220-213 majority. Last month, a small group of GOP rebels joined Democrats on a discharge petition to force a vote releasing all government files on Jeffrey Epstein. That bill passed the House 427-1 and quickly moved through the Senate to be signed by US president Donald Trump.
Johnson Defends Leadership Amid Growing Republican Revolt
Despite these setbacks, Johnson defended his leadership, saying, “I have not lost control of the House,” adding, “We have the smallest majority in U.S. history. These are not normal times. There are processes and procedures in the House that are less frequently used when there are larger majorities. … But when you have a razor-thin margin, as we do, then all the procedures in the book people think are on the table,” as quoted by NBC News.
FAQs
Why did four Republicans support the Obamacare extension?
They wanted to prevent insurance premiums from doubling for millions of Americans if subsidies expire.
Who are the Republicans who signed the petition?
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, Rob Bresnahan, and Ryan Mackenzie.