The US Senate has failed to reach an agreement on a healthcare plan, and now the House of Representatives is taking up the issue. Speaker Mike Johnson has unveiled a Republican alternative plan, which focuses on enhancing access to employer-sponsored health insurance plans and clamping down on pharmacy benefit managers. The plan does not include an extension of the enhanced tax credit for millions of Americans who get insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which is set to expire on December 31.
The Republican plan proposes expanding access to association health plans, which would allow small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together and purchase health coverage. It also requires more data from pharmacy benefit managers to help control drug costs. However, critics argue that the plan provides skimpier coverage than what is required under the ACA and does not address the issue of rising healthcare costs.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has strongly opposed the Republican plan, calling it “toxic legislation” that hurts hardworking Americans. He has instead proposed a discharge petition that would force a vote on a clean three-year subsidy extension, which has 214 signatures from Democrats but no support from Republicans.
Meanwhile, a group of centrist GOP lawmakers is aligning with Democrats to push for a temporary extension of the tax credits to prevent Americans from facing rising healthcare costs. They have filed discharge petitions that could force a floor vote on a bill that includes a two-year subsidy extension and provisions to combat fraud in the ACA marketplace.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the issue, saying that he wants to see a better plan than Obamacare and has proposed providing Americans with stipends to help buy insurance. However, his idea has few details and it’s unclear how much money he envisions.
The political pressure is building for many lawmakers, particularly vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts. With time running out for Congress to act, it remains to be seen whether a consensus solution can be reached. The House is set to vote on the Republican plan next week, but it’s unclear whether it will pass or if a bipartisan solution can be found.