Overview
- Enhanced Affordable Care Act premium credits expire Dec. 31, risking steep premium hikes for roughly 22 million people, with KFF and CBO warning of higher costs and fewer insured.
- Trump declared he will only back sending assistance directly to individuals rather than insurers, a position GOP leaders echoed as they draft HSA- or FSA-based proposals.
- Republican senators Bill Cassidy and Rick Scott are developing plans to route funds into consumer-controlled accounts, changes that would require new law and run up against current HSA rules.
- Moderate Republicans, including Reps. Jen Kiggans and Don Bacon, are pressing for short-term extensions, but party leaders say a clean renewal will not reach the House floor.
- Senate leaders pledged a mid-December vote, the Finance Committee holds a hearing Wednesday, and analysts warn that redirecting funds could destabilize ACA markets while procedural hurdles limit fast action.