House GOP moves forward on health care bill as ACA subsidy extension stalls.

WASHINGTON — House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders are moving forward with a GOP health care bill that does not extend pandemic-era Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, despite warnings that millions of Americans could face sharply higher insurance premiums when the credits expire at the end of the year.

Johnson said efforts to allow a vote on a temporary extension of the subsidies failed after negotiations within the Republican conference. Conservative lawmakers opposed the subsidies, arguing they prop up a flawed ACA marketplace.

As a result, House Republicans are advancing a sweeping health care package focused on expanding insurance options for small businesses and self-employed workers, tightening oversight of pharmacy benefit managers, and restoring funding for cost-sharing reductions. A procedural vote on the bill is expected this week.

Nonpartisan analysts estimate the plan would slightly reduce the number of insured Americans over time but lower the federal deficit by more than $35 billion. Some moderate Republicans criticized leadership for not allowing a vote on extending the subsidies, calling the decision politically risky.

Democrats argue the bill will not pass the Senate and warn that failing to extend the subsidies will raise costs for millions of families. Meanwhile, bipartisan talks in the Senate are continuing, with lawmakers signaling any compromise would likely come in the new year.

(AP)