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US House approves GOP health bill without ACA tax credit extension
(MENAFN) The US House of Representatives approved a Republican-backed health care bill on Wednesday that does not include an extension of the expiring tax credits used by millions of Americans to help pay for coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
The legislation, titled the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, passed by a 216-211 vote, with Rep. Thomas Massie as the only Republican opposing it. The proposal was unveiled less than a week ago, amid mounting pressure from moderate Republicans to consider continuing the enhanced ACA premium tax credits set to expire on Dec. 31.
Passage in the Senate remains uncertain, as it would require support from multiple Democrats.
Before the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill provides “commonsense reforms to lower premiums, expand access, increase choice and flexibility, and bring transparency to health care.” He added that it would reduce premiums by at least 11% and save taxpayers nearly $30 billion.
Johnson contrasted the Republican plan with Democratic efforts to extend ACA premium subsidies introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that continuing the subsidies does not effectively lower health care costs and accusing Democrats of prioritizing politics over policy. He said, “The Democrats broke America's health care system. When they gave us the ACA, the unaffordable care act 15 years ago, they promised that premiums would come down, that access would increase in quality of health care would increase. None of that happened because it's a flawed system.”
Earlier, the House approved a procedural motion in a 204-203 vote that blocked Democrats — joined by four Republicans — from forcing a vote on a three-year extension of ACA subsidies.
The move prompted loud protests, with Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern exclaiming, “That's outrageous,” as Republican leaders ended the vote while some lawmakers were still attempting to cast ballots.
House rules allow Democrats to demand a vote on their proposed extension, but Johnson stated he would postpone any vote until Congress reconvenes in early January. Without further congressional action, around 24 million Americans who buy coverage through the ACA could face sharp increases in insurance costs starting Jan. 1.
The legislation, titled the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, passed by a 216-211 vote, with Rep. Thomas Massie as the only Republican opposing it. The proposal was unveiled less than a week ago, amid mounting pressure from moderate Republicans to consider continuing the enhanced ACA premium tax credits set to expire on Dec. 31.
Passage in the Senate remains uncertain, as it would require support from multiple Democrats.
Before the vote, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the bill provides “commonsense reforms to lower premiums, expand access, increase choice and flexibility, and bring transparency to health care.” He added that it would reduce premiums by at least 11% and save taxpayers nearly $30 billion.
Johnson contrasted the Republican plan with Democratic efforts to extend ACA premium subsidies introduced during the coronavirus pandemic, arguing that continuing the subsidies does not effectively lower health care costs and accusing Democrats of prioritizing politics over policy. He said, “The Democrats broke America's health care system. When they gave us the ACA, the unaffordable care act 15 years ago, they promised that premiums would come down, that access would increase in quality of health care would increase. None of that happened because it's a flawed system.”
Earlier, the House approved a procedural motion in a 204-203 vote that blocked Democrats — joined by four Republicans — from forcing a vote on a three-year extension of ACA subsidies.
The move prompted loud protests, with Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern exclaiming, “That's outrageous,” as Republican leaders ended the vote while some lawmakers were still attempting to cast ballots.
House rules allow Democrats to demand a vote on their proposed extension, but Johnson stated he would postpone any vote until Congress reconvenes in early January. Without further congressional action, around 24 million Americans who buy coverage through the ACA could face sharp increases in insurance costs starting Jan. 1.
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