A bipartisan group of legislators introduced a bill on Friday aiming to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for an additional two years. The initiative comes from Democratic Representatives Tom Suozzi of New York and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, alongside Republican Representatives Jeff Hurd of Colorado and Don Bacon of Nebraska.
Bacon emphasized the necessity for an interim solution to prevent a significant rise in health insurance premiums, stating, “I see it clearly that we need an interim plan because we don’t want to see premiums skyrocket.” He acknowledged that a more comprehensive long-term strategy may be needed, but it is unlikely to be achieved before the deadline of December 31.
Gottheimer echoed the sentiment for unity, urging both parties to collaborate on a bipartisan solution before the subsidies lapse. He articulated the importance of addressing the issue with urgency, insisting, “It’s time to come together, Democrats and Republicans, put aside the partisan BS, and deliver a real solution that will cut health insurance premiums. Whether it’s this solution or another, failure is not an option.” Without an extension, premiums are predicted to escalate by 2026.
In the wake of the recent government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune assured Democrats that they would have an opportunity to vote on a bill to extend the subsidies. This development highlights a willingness from certain Republican leaders to engage with Democrats on healthcare issues.
Interestingly, last month, Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her discontent with party leadership’s approach to the subsidy issue, breaking ranks to advocate for a resolution; she voiced her frustration over the lack of communication regarding strategies to manage the potential doubling of health insurance premiums.
With a pressing deadline approaching, the bipartisan initiative signals an effort from various lawmakers to address healthcare affordability, showcasing a potential path toward collaboration in a politically divided environment.