Overview
- The House plans a vote this week on Republicans’ Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, a messaging bill that leaves out an extension of the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits.
- Leadership had eyed an amendment to add a two-year extension, but talks are deteriorating over how to pay for it and whether it will be allowed a floor vote.
- The Senate failed last week to clear either a three-year Democratic extension or a Republican HSA-focused alternative under the 60-vote threshold, stalling a fast-track solution.
- A bipartisan group of senators convened to discuss a 2026 deal, and Sen. Bill Cassidy suggested combining direct payments to patients with a temporary, targeted extension, though members acknowledged action this year is not feasible.
- With Jan. 1 coverage deadlines already passed and the credits set to lapse Dec. 31, analysts warn millions face sharp premium increases, with Florida and Texas projected to be hit hardest.