Overview
- The House voted 230-196 to revive the expired enhanced Affordable Care Act premium credits for three years, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats after a discharge petition forced the vote.
- Senate leaders say a clean extension is unlikely, and negotiators are drafting a two-year compromise with income caps, an end to $0-premium plans via a nominal payment, extended open enrollment and potential Health Savings Account options.
- Hyde Amendment restrictions remain the central obstacle, as President Trump urged Republicans to be “flexible” while anti-abortion groups and several GOP lawmakers pushed back.
- Roughly 22–24 million marketplace enrollees previously benefited from the enhanced aid, and analysts warn of steep premium increases and coverage losses since the credits lapsed at year’s end.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimates a three-year extension would add about $80.6 billion to the deficit over a decade and increase insurance coverage by millions over the next several years, adding urgency with open enrollment closing Jan. 15.