CommonGround 2025 Bipartisan Plan Proposes Premium Tax Credit Extensions to Curb Healthcare Costs
A bipartisan group of 35 U.S. House members, led by Representatives Josh Gottheimer and Jen Kiggans, has introduced CommonGround 2025, a legislative framework aimed at reducing healthcare costs and maintaining affordable coverage for American families. The initiative focuses on extending key health insurance premium savings for two years, including a one-year extension of enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs) with specific adjustments to improve affordability. This move seeks to mitigate the impact of imminent healthcare premium increases affecting millions of Americans, emphasizing support for families facing financial burdens in accessing care. Representative Jim Costa (CA-21) highlighted the importance of the initiative for his constituents, noting the challenges faced by families in balancing healthcare costs with other essential expenses. The bipartisan nature of CommonGround 2025 underscores a collaborative approach to addressing rising healthcare costs without partisan division. The participating members have urged House and Senate leaders to schedule a vote on the proposal before December 18, 2025. The coalition includes representatives from diverse states including California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Ohio, Nebraska, North Carolina, Washington, and Michigan. Their support reflects broad geographic and political backing for measures aimed at preserving affordable health insurance options. By emphasizing premium tax credit extensions and targeted modifications, CommonGround 2025 seeks to sustain purchasing power for health coverage amidst a climate of increasing costs. The initiative recognizes the critical role played by federal subsidy programs in stabilizing the insurance market and preventing coverage loss among vulnerable populations. The coalition has also submitted a letter to congressional leadership, advocating for bipartisan dialogue and swift legislative action to implement the proposed savings extensions. This request highlights the urgency of preventing premium hikes that could exacerbate financial strain on insured Americans and disrupt access to necessary medical services. Industry stakeholders and insurance professionals monitoring marketplace subsidy developments will find CommonGround 2025 significant due to its potential impact on coverage affordability and insurer participation incentives. The framework’s progress could influence regulatory approaches to aligning federal support with market sustainability goals in the health insurance sector. This development reflects ongoing legislative efforts to address health insurance affordability through tax credit adjustments, a key factor in sustaining coverage levels and minimizing uninsured rates amid shifting market conditions.