Debate Over Obamacare Subsidies Intensifies in Congress
As the deadline looms for the expiration of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Wisconsin Representative Derrick Van Orden continues to advocate for the dismantling of the program that currently provides health insurance to 45 million Americans.
The subsidies, which were established through the 2021 American Rescue Plan signed by President Joe Biden, are set to expire unless Congress takes action. This plan initially received no Republican support. While Democrats are pushing for a straightforward extension of these subsidies, Republicans, including Van Orden, are looking to cut back on the subsidies and challenge Obamacare’s framework.
Van Orden conveyed his stance in a statement to The Hill, saying, “What we’re trying to do as Republicans here is make sure that we can lay out some very solid legislation that’s going to undo what the Democrats did.” His viewpoint aligns with previous assertions that labeled Obamacare as a “failed program” in need of repeal.
On December 11, a Senate vote saw Republicans blocking a proposal to extend the subsidies for another three years, a move supported by Wisconsin Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin but opposed by Republican Senator Ron Johnson.
Currently, approximately 300,000 residents of Wisconsin benefit from Obamacare subsidies. With the potential expiration, Senator Baldwin warns that premiums could significantly increase, possibly doubling or quadrupling for some individuals.
Speaking to Wisconsin Public Radio, Baldwin emphasized the urgency of extending the subsidies, stating, “We are in a time of great urgency, and really the only workable solution right now is to extend these tax breaks so that working families can afford their premiums.”
Chrysa Ostenso from Ladysmith, WI, shared her concerns with Spectrum News, predicting a $1,500 monthly increase in her health insurance premiums. “Our health care system is not perfect, but letting these credits expire will make things worse, more expensive, more out of reach, and more dangerous,” she noted.
Public opinion appears to be at odds with the Republican stance. A recent KFF poll indicates that 84% of those enrolled in Obamacare favor extending the subsidies. Moreover, another KFF poll suggests that most enrollees would hold President Donald Trump and House Republicans accountable for any premium hikes.
Van Orden is viewed as one of the most vulnerable House Republicans in the upcoming reelection cycle.
The post Van Orden backs GOP blockade of Obamacare subsidies as costs rise appeared first on American Journal News.
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