House takes step toward extending Affordable Care Act subsidies

The House voted 221-205 to advance a measure reviving an enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidy that expired last month; the action followed a discharge petition backed by four centrist Republicans and Democrats. The Senate is not required to consider the bill, and lawmakers in both chambers are exploring alternative proposals.

House members moved Wednesday to advance legislation intended to revive an enhanced pandemic-era subsidy for Affordable Care Act plans that expired last month. The subsidy had been credited with lowering insurance costs for about 22 million people. The vote came after four centrist Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition to force consideration, a step that challenged Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP leadership. House passage was expected the following day, but the Senate is not required to take up the measure. Key details: - The House tally to advance the measure was 221-205. - Four Republican centrists — including Rep. Mike Lawler and three members from Pennsylvania — helped secure the discharge petition that reached the 218 signature threshold to force a vote. - Reports say nine Republicans ultimately joined Democrats to advance the measure on the floor. - The proposal discussed in the House would signal support for a proposed three-year extension of ACA tax credits; Senate negotiators are considering alternatives such as a shorter, two-year extension and program changes. - Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said any Senate-supported plan would likely include income limits, a nominal payment from beneficiaries, and expansion of health savings accounts. Summary: If the House passes the bill it would indicate bipartisan backing for reviving the pandemic-era ACA subsidies and for a proposed three-year extension of tax credits. Senate leaders have not committed to taking up the House measure and are pursuing alternative negotiations that could shorten the extension and add changes. Undetermined at this time.