Schumer proposes an ACA plan, new poll indicates Republicans should support it

Congressional Democrats have been warning Republicans all year: millions of Americans could face sharply higher insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act unless action is taken. With the new year approaching, families across the country will soon have to decide between paying more or going without coverage.

Next week, the House Republican Conference is scheduled to meet, and Speaker Mike Johnson aims to propose a health care strategy for the GOP. However, he currently lacks a concrete plan to present to his colleagues.

Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have a ready proposal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced a plan to extend the expiring ACA subsidies for three more years, challenging Republicans to oppose it. This bill represents the final opportunity for Republicans before January 1 to prevent premium spikes, Schumer stated from the Senate floor.

Schumers proposal is straightforward: maintain the current system for an additional three years. The plan has the full support of House Democrats, who are working on a discharge petition that still requires four Republican endorsements to move forward.

Despite expectations that most congressional Republicans will reject the measure, recent polling suggests political risks for inaction. A national survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that many Americans would hold GOP lawmakers accountable and could respond at the ballot box if ACA subsidies lapse.

The White House had indicated it would offer a solution last week, but former President Donald Trump and his team withdrew the effort after congressional Republicans resisted. Reports indicate that any extension now likely depends on Trumps involvement, though his limited interest in health policy complicates the path forward.

Ultimately, Schumers ACA extension stands as the only immediate option on the table. For Republicans concerned about political fallout from rising premiums, this reality could influence their next steps.

Author: Noah Whitman