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Congress Leaves Without Extending ACA Subsidies as House Revolt Forces January Vote

Millions face sharp premium hikes on Jan. 1 because enhanced tax credits will lapse.

Overview

  • House Republicans passed a health bill 216–211 that omits an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits and is not expected to advance in the Senate.
  • Four Republican moderates — Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Lawler, Rob Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie — signed a Democratic discharge petition, guaranteeing a January vote on a three-year extension after the lapse takes effect.
  • Senate Republican leaders signaled a straight three-year renewal is unlikely to pass the upper chamber, with Leader John Thune calling such an extension untenable under the 60‑vote threshold.
  • KFF and other analyses indicate 22 million to 24 million people face steep increases, with average annual payments projected to jump about 114% — roughly $1,000 in 2026 — and significant coverage losses possible.
  • The House GOP bill centers on long-standing Republican priorities — expanding association health plans, adding PBM transparency, refunding cost‑sharing reductions and codifying employer 'choice accounts' — and the CBO says it would cut the deficit by $35.6 billion but raise the uninsured by about 100,000 per year.