House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, have introduced a healthcare package aimed at addressing rising costs. The proposal, which will be voted on in the House next week, includes measures to expand association health plans, impose transparency requirements on pharmacy benefit managers, and appropriate funds for cost-sharing reductions to lower premiums in the individual market. However, the plan does not extend the expiring enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to lapse at the end of the month.
According to Johnson, the Republican plan will “tackle the real drivers of health care costs” and provide affordable care, increase access and choice, and restore integrity to the nation’s healthcare system. The plan has been met with criticism from Democrats, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling it “toxic legislation” that fails to address the coming hike in ACA premiums. Jeffries stated that Democrats are willing to work with Republicans on extending the subsidies, which tens of millions of Americans rely on to afford their healthcare.
President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the issue, stating that he wants a healthcare plan that would directly funnel aid to patients, rather than insurance companies. Trump expressed his desire to see money given to people for healthcare through an insurance account, allowing them to buy their own healthcare and save money. While Trump kept the door open to extending ACA tax credits, he emphasized that any deal would need to come with caveats that Republicans want.
The fate of the Republican healthcare package is uncertain, with the Senate unlikely to take further action on healthcare next week. The enhanced premium subsidies are all but certain to lapse, leaving millions of Americans facing increased healthcare costs. Despite this, House GOP leadership aides hope to pass the healthcare package next week, which they claim will “actually deliver affordable healthcare” to Americans.