Overview
- President Trump urged Senate Republicans to stop paying ACA subsidies to insurers and instead send the funds directly to Americans to buy coverage.
- Democrats promote a one-year extension of enhanced ACA tax credits as part of reopening the government, while GOP leaders reject extending the subsidies.
- Sen. Bill Cassidy endorsed the concept and described a vision for pre-funded health savings accounts, though no bill text or operational plan has surfaced.
- Economists and Democratic lawmakers criticized the proposal as likely to weaken risk pools, raise premiums, and increase the number of uninsured.
- Trump paired the push with renewed calls to end the Senate filibuster, further complicating high-stakes negotiations over funding and health policy.