Republican leaders have made it clear they are not open to discussions about prolonging the enhanced subsidies provided by ObamaCare. Nevertheless, there are indications of rising unease within the GOP ranks about the absence of a clear strategy moving forward.
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The Big Story
Vulnerable Republicans call for ACA enhanced subsidy extension
Republicans say they won’t negotiate on extending ObamaCare’s enhanced subsidies. But there’s at least some signs of growing GOP discomfort over the apparent lack of a plan.
Associated Press/Alex Brandon
A group of 13 vulnerable House Republicans on Tuesday sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urging him to “immediately” move to extend the subsidies once the government reopens.
“Our Conference and President Trump have been clear that we will not take healthcare away from families who depend on it. This is our opportunity to demonstrate that commitment through action,” the lawmakers, led by Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) and Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), wrote.
There are also some internal discussions happening among Senate Republicans on a subsidy plan, though the lawmakers involved have also been adamant they will not negotiate with Democrats until the government reopens.
The government has been shut for three weeks, and both sides appear dug in.
Democrats are withholding support for a stopgap spending bill and are seeking negotiations and assurances on the expiring subsidies and other spending and appropriation issues. Republicans say they will refuse to negotiate on health care matters until Democrats vote to reopen the government.
The House letter rejected the Democratic demand that a tax credit extension be tied to the government shutdown but urged Johnson to “chart a conservative path that protects working families in our districts across the country.”
The fact that House Republicans are calling for an extension of the subsidies is notable, as many hardline conservatives remain outright opposed to any extension at all — a path that Republican pollsters and allies of President Trump say would be a mistake heading into the midterm elections.
Consumers with 2026 ACA marketplace plans are already seeing substantially higher premiums as state and federal “window shopping” allows people to see the costs of their plans ahead of the Nov. 1 start of open enrollment. Insurers are anticipating the enhanced subsidies will expire and are pricing their coverage accordingly.
Welcome to The Hill’s Health Care newsletter, we’re Nathaniel Weixel and Joseph Choi — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health.
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