The United States Senate is set to vote on Thursday (11 December) on a Republican-backed plan aimed at addressing expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced on Tuesday.
The proposal, introduced by Republican Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mike Crapo of Idaho, is designed to make health insurance premiums more affordable for Americans as key ACA support measures approach expiration.
“It actually does make health insurance premiums more affordable,” Thune said, highlighting the plan’s goal of easing costs for policyholders.
The bill would authorise up to $1,500 for health savings accounts for individuals earning less than 700% of the federal poverty level. It also would bar the funds from being used for abortion or "gender transition services," according to a summary released by the two senators.
They said the measure also would lower insurance premiums by 11% in 2027 and reduce federal Medicaid funding to states that provide healthcare coverage to "illegal immigrants."
The bill's $1,500 payment is meant to cover deductible costs for lower-priced Obamacare plans, although it is far below those deductibles and could leave patients on the hook for up to $7,500 in out-of-pocket expenses before their insurance kicks in. Medical expenses can add up quickly, with a visit to a U.S. emergency room costing between $1,000 and $3,000.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the Republican bill, calling it "junk insurance," while Republicans have criticised the high cost of Democrats' proposed extension of the existing subsidy and say it has contributed to rising healthcare costs.
At the moment, Congress is struggling to address a fast-approaching surge in health insurance premiums for up to 24 million Americans. The COVID-era subsidies, which help to offset premium costs for the plans, also known as Obamacare, are set to expire at year end and millions rely on the programme.
Democrats have continued to push for a three-year extension of expiring ACA subsidies, while Thune said he will present a bill to replace those subsidies with direct payments to individuals. Democrats have criticised those payments as insufficient, and neither approach is expected to get enough support to pass.
On Monday, President Donald Trump embraced the Cassidy-Crapo approach, backing the payment of federal funds directly to individuals instead of to insurers, as provided by the Obamacare subsidy.
The vote comes amid ongoing debates over healthcare affordability and the future of the ACA, with lawmakers exploring different approaches to maintain coverage for millions of Americans while managing federal spending.
Senators on both sides of the aisle will weigh the proposal in the coming days, with the outcome expected to shape the nation’s healthcare landscape and determine the extent to which subsidies continue to support those relying on ACA plans.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said key aspects of reopening regional transport routes have been resolved under the implementation framework ...
Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held talks on Thursday to prepare a new programme providing expanded financing for 2026–2029, aime...
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been fo...
At least 18 people were injured on Thursday after a stun grenade exploded at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in Russia’s Republic of...
The White House said Thursday that Iranian authorities have stopped 800 executions that were scheduled amid ongoing protests, as the U.S. continues to...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on events in Venezuela and Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned whether Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, would be able to command enough support inside Iran to lead the country if its clerical leadership were to fall.
The number of Chinese students at Harvard University has risen despite tighter U.S. visa controls and heightened scrutiny under the Trump-led administration.
U.S. citizens in Iran have been advised to leave the country as soon as possible, amid growing instability in the region and concerns that travel routes could close with little warning.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Romania has reiterated its openness to discussions on a potential unification with neighbouring Republic of Moldova, following recent remarks by Moldova’s president.
Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held talks on Thursday to prepare a new programme providing expanded financing for 2026–2029, aimed at supporting the country’s economy and reconstruction efforts amid ongoing Russian attacks.
President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that the long-awaited “Board of Peace” to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction has officially been formed.
At least 18 people were injured on Thursday after a stun grenade exploded at an Interior Ministry vocational training centre in Russia’s Republic of Komi, according to state media.
The White House said Thursday that Iranian authorities have stopped 800 executions that were scheduled amid ongoing protests, as the U.S. continues to monitor events in Tehran closely.
The White House says a meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Danish officials over Greenland was "productive."
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment