Article Summary –
The Republican majority in the U.S. Senate blocked a Democratic bill aimed at extending the advance premium tax credit, which helps 22 million Americans afford health insurance premiums, with a vote of 51-48, falling short of the necessary 60 votes. The GOP proposed an alternative bill to replace the tax credits with health savings account subsidies for catastrophic health plans, but it also failed to pass. Public opinion shows significant support for extending the tax credits, with a KFF poll indicating 74% of Americans in favor, while opponents like President Trump and some Senate Republicans label it as benefiting insurance companies rather than consumers.
The Republican-controlled U.S. Senate blocked a Democratic proposal on Dec. 11 to extend a tax credit that assists 22 million Americans with health insurance premiums.
The Senate voted 51-48 on the Lower Health Care Costs Act, initiated by Chuck Schumer (D-NY), to extend the advance premium tax credit for three years. This fell nine votes short of the necessary 60 for approval. The temporary credit, enacted under President Biden, ends in 2025.
Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin backed the measure, while Republican Sen. Ron Johnson opposed it.
Johnson stated on Dec. 2, “Democrats have to start acknowledging they blew it. Obamacare has been a huge disaster.”
Baldwin’s office highlighted that 275,000 Wisconsinites rely on these credits to afford ACA coverage, risking premium doubling without extension. “275,000 Wisconsinites benefit from enhanced premium tax credits, saving $585 monthly. Without Republican cooperation, 4 million Americans, including 30,000 Wisconsinites, risk losing affordable health care,” Baldwin’s press release claimed.
Wisconsin premiums will rise 16% on Jan. 1 for marketplace insurance buyers.
A KFF Health Tracking Poll showed 74% of Americans want Congress to extend the tax credits.
President Trump opposed the extension, posting on Truth Social on Nov. 18: “The ONLY healthcare I support is sending money back to the people, not to insurance companies. Congress, don’t waste time!” Trump’s statement read.
Moreover, 51 Republicans backed a bill by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Mike Crapo (R-ID), also missing the 60-vote threshold. This legislation proposed replacing tax credits with health savings account subsidies for catastrophic health plans.
“Let’s empower patients, not profit insurers,” Cassidy urged on Dec. 4. “Let’s make health care affordable again!”
Schumer criticized the plan as “junk insurance,” stating on Dec. 9, “It’s misdirection, blocking ACA credits that lower costs. Americans will reject it again.”
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