Overview
- Speaker Mike Johnson said Majority Leader Steve Scalise is working with the chairs of Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce to compile a Republican health care plan.
- Johnson pointed to a 2019 Republican Study Committee framework as the basis for the effort, though no legislative text or timeline has been released.
- Ideas discussed by Republicans include expanding health savings accounts and reviving cost-sharing reduction reimbursements to private plans.
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire at year’s end, and insurers have warned consumers of sharp premium increases without congressional action.
- GOP leaders say they will not address subsidies on a short-term funding bill, Democrats are pressing for a permanent extension, Senate GOP leader John Thune has floated a vote on subsidies tied to a continuing resolution, and conservative groups urged Republicans to oppose any extension even after the shutdown ends.