Republicans and Dems remain divided on healthcare, as House Speaker Mike Johnson, unveils Obamacare alternatives as the pressure is on with those subsidies set to expire at the end of the month.
The Senate failed to get anywhere on the healthcare issue this week.
Speaker Mike Johnson unveiled a Republican alternative late Friday in a last-minute sprint as his party refuses to extend the enhanced tax subsidies for people who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, which are set to expire at the end of the year and currently help lower coverage costs.
“House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of healthcare costs to provide affordable care,” Johnson said in a statement. He added the legislation would be brought to a vote next week.
House Republicans issued a 100-plus-page package centered on long-standing GOP priorities, including expanding employer-sponsored insurance options, and increasing oversight of pharmacy benefit managers.
The proposal would expand access to association health plans, allowing small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together to purchase coverage.
Supporters argue those plans give businesses more leverage to negotiate lower rates, while critics say they often offer skimpier benefits than plans that comply with Affordable Care Act standards.
Lawmakers are in a time crunch, following the wasteful 46-day government shutdown, with just days remaining on the legislative calendar.