Republicans defy Speaker Johnson to force House vote on extending ACA subsidies
Republicans believe that their legislation will reform the health care system, helping lower costs in the long run, but today’s vote fails to address tax credits for private health insurance expiring this month, meaning millions are all but guaranteed to face higher premiums come January. The Republican proposal focuses on lowering drug prices by clamping down on middlemen called pharmacy benefit managers who manage costs and process claims. For insurance plans, the bill also expands access to association health plans, which allows more small businesses and the self-employed to band together and buy coverage. House Speaker Mike Johnson says the current system is unaffordable, has seen quality care plummet and fraud run rampant, and insists the Republican plan will serve as *** better model, one that meets their needs with more access, more choice, and more affordable quality care. And House Republicans have offered legislation to begin fixing what is broken. And to restore integrity to our nation’s healthcare system, and it’s so long overdue. Democrats are unlikely to support the bill. And even if it passes the House, senators have made clear that any legislation will likely have to wait until they return from holiday break in January. Reporting on Capitol Hill, I’m Amy Lowe.
Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.The move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a GOP health care bill that does not address the soaring monthly premiums that millions of people will soon endure as the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.Democrats needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsidies for three years.Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218.
Four centrist Republicans broke with Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday and signed onto a Democratic-led petition that will force a House vote on extending for three years an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy that lowers health insurance costs for millions of Americans.
The move comes after House Republican leaders pushed ahead with a GOP health care bill that does not address the soaring monthly premiums that millions of people will soon endure as the tax credits for those who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act expire at year’s end.
Democrats needed 218 signatures to force a floor vote on their bill, which would extend the subsidies for three years.
Republican Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie, all from Pennsylvania, and Mike Lawler of New York signed on Wednesday morning, pushing it to the magic number of 218.
