Overview
- Senators rejected a three-year Democratic extension of enhanced ACA tax credits and a Republican HSA-based alternative, with each drawing 51 votes and falling short of the 60 needed.
- Four Republicans — Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan and Josh Hawley — voted to advance the Democratic bill, while Rand Paul opposed the GOP plan offered by Mike Crapo and Bill Cassidy.
- House Republicans detailed a package for next week that expands association health plans, adds pharmacy benefit manager transparency, and restores cost-sharing reduction payments, but omits an ACA subsidy extension.
- GOP leaders say an amendment on a temporary extension will get a floor vote, as centrist Republicans pursue discharge petitions led by Brian Fitzpatrick and Josh Gottheimer to force action.
- Analysts warn the lapse would sharply raise costs, with KFF projecting premiums could more than double on average, CBO estimating roughly 2 million more uninsured next year, and Covered California expecting about 400,000 priced out.