Overview
- White House framework proposes sending federal money directly to consumers, funding cost‑sharing reductions, expanding price transparency, and codifying a most‑favored‑nation drug pricing approach while curbing PBM and broker kickbacks.
- Administration officials offered no specifics on who would qualify, payment amounts, or delivery mechanisms and said the plan would require congressional approval.
- Sen. Bernie Moreno projects no Senate deal on restoring ACA premium tax credits until the end of January, with Hyde Amendment language a central sticking point.
- The House passed a three‑year extension of the enhanced credits, but its prospects are uncertain in the Senate and Trump has suggested he may veto an extension.
- Enhanced credits expired Dec. 31, driving sharp premium increases and about 1.5 million fewer marketplace enrollees per CMS data, and experts note HSA‑based aid would not cover premiums and would reach only limited plan types.