Congress is running out of time to address the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies before many individuals are exposed to massive cost increases Jan. 1, and new plans are emerging on the Hill to tackle the challenge.
A bipartisan group of 35 legislators—including 15 Republicans—in the House has introduced a plan that would extend the tax credits for one year with some modifications, such as a new income limit, according to a report in The New York Times.
The proposal also includes a second shift in year two, implementing more substantial reforms such as eliminating $0 premium plans except in cases where there is a need. Each piece of the plan would require a separate congressional vote, the NYT reported.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., said the lawmakers are urging for a vote on the package by Dec. 18 to "get something done before premiums rise in January," per the NYT. Most of the Republicans who have signed on to the package represent districts where the race is expected to be competitive in the midterms next year, according to the article.
“Doing nothing to prevent a spike in their premiums is wrong,” said Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va.
In addition to the bipartisan package unveiled Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., released a plan that would extend the subsidies as-is for three years, per Politico. In exchange for ending the government shutdown, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-N.D., promised Dems a vote on a possible extension.
"Every single Democrat will support it,” Schumer said, according to the Politico report. “Republicans have one week to decide where they stand.”
The outlet reported that the bill is essentially dead in the water, as Republicans favor a shorter extension that comes packaged with additional reforms.
Open enrollment on HealthCare.gov and the state exchanges is ongoing though Jan. 15. For people who want to secure coverage Jan. 1, the deadline to sign up is Dec. 15.