Without the subsidies health insurance premiums are going up, the price doubles (on average) for 22 million Americans throughout the country – many of them freelancers.
How did we get here?
When Republicans took back all three chambers of government in November 2024, we knew the future of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies was in jeopardy. We were right to worry, as we did then President Trump signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill, it did not renew enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies – among many other provisions that endanger the American people.
Senate Democrats then tried to save the subsidies before they expired on December 31 by refusing to sign a government funding bill that did not extend them. This is what got us the longest government shutdown in history – but in the end, eight senators (seven Democrats and one Independent) voted with Republicans to reopen the government. They agreed to the vote based on a promise from Republican Senate leadership that there would be a separate Senate vote on the grants in December. Republican House leadership has made no similar promise. And while there are several discharge requests that would lead to a vote While it is circulating in the House of Representatives, none has yet received the required 218 votes.
What happened in the floor vote?
When voting in the Senate, Two different bills have been introduced; one of the Democrats hoping to extend the subsidies for three years, and one of the Republicans who is allowing the subsidies to expire and instead redirecting that funding into payments of $1,500 per year into health savings accounts for those earning 700% below the poverty line. However, this money could not be used to pay the premiums. The bill too contains restrictions around abortion and gender-affirming care.
Neither bill received the 60 votes needed to advance.
What now?
Many predict that with subsidies set to expire on December 31st and Congress going on holiday next week until January 5th, that Millions of Americans will be forced to do so pay these exorbitant premiums for their health care.
This is unacceptable – and we must tell our elected officials as such. We encourage you please contact yours and let them know that your vote in the 2026 midterm elections depends on how they move forward on health care. Many are aware that this could cost them re-election.
#Enhanced #ACA #subsidies #expire #days #Heres