House Republicans Propose Health Care Plan Excluding ACA Subsidy Extension

The U.S. Senate recently failed to advance any health care legislation, leaving the House of Representatives to take the lead. House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced a comprehensive Republican health care package focused on cost drivers, proposing expanded access to association health plans and increased transparency requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The GOP plan notably omits an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax subsidies set to expire at the end of 2025, which currently lower premiums for millions of Americans. Time is running short for Congress to enact any health care legislation with the current subsidies expiration deadline approaching. The Republican plan includes provisions to increase employer-sponsored insurance access and to regulate PBMs with an aim to curb drug costs, but critics argue it may lead to less comprehensive coverage compared to ACA standards. Several centrist Republicans and Democrats are supporting discharge petitions to force votes on extending ACA subsidies temporarily, reflecting bipartisan concern over premium increases for vulnerable populations. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is reviewing these petitions but has not committed to supporting bipartisan efforts. The ongoing legislative impasse suggests a challenging path ahead for extending current health care subsidies, with differing approaches between congressional parties and no clear consensus before the deadline.