House Republicans Propose Health Care Cost Plan Excluding ACA Subsidy Extension

House Republican leaders proposed a plan to address rising health care costs as Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies are set to expire, potentially increasing premiums for over 20 million Americans. The plan does not include a direct extension of ACA tax credits but allows a separate amendment vote on this issue. This approach aims to balance party divisions, with some Republicans opposing subsidy extensions over concerns about fraud and eligibility for high-income households, while Democrats advocate for a three-year extension without reforms. The Republican proposal includes provisions to expand association health plans, allocate funds for cost-sharing reduction payments to lower premiums, and increase transparency from pharmacy benefit managers to reduce drug costs. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the plan's focus on tackling root causes of health care costs, expanding access and choice, and restoring system integrity. The House Rules Committee plans to consider the proposal soon, though its chances of passing remain uncertain. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized the GOP proposal as unlikely to secure bipartisan support and reiterated Democrats' commitment to protecting the ACA tax credits.