White House draft would extend ACA subsidies two years, add minimum premiums
A White House draft circulated would extend the enhanced ACA marketplace subsidies for two years, cap eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level, and end zero‑premium plans by requiring enrollees to pay a minimum premium (reported options include 2% of income or at least $5/month). Officials say the plan isn’t final as lawmakers from both parties — with Democrats proposing different extension lengths and some Republicans signaling opposition — consider negotiations amid warnings that without action millions of enrollees nationally (and tens of thousands in Minnesota) could face steep premium hikes.
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đź“Ś Key Facts
- The White House is circulating a draft plan to extend enhanced ACA (Obamacare) exchange subsidies for two years.
- The draft would cap subsidy eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level (up from the pre‑pandemic 400% FPL).
- The proposal would end zero‑premium plans by requiring all enrollees to pay a minimum premium — reported options include 2% of income or at least $5 per month.
- White House officials say no plan is final until announced by President Trump; spokespeople confirmed the proposal is under discussion.
- Sen. Maggie Hassan (D‑N.H.) called the draft a 'starting point,' indicating possible bipartisan negotiations.
- Democratic proposals include a one‑year (Senate) and a three‑year (House) extension of enhanced subsidies; Republicans are weighing changes or a broader ACA overhaul, and House GOP leaders signal opposition.
- An AP estimate cited in reporting warns up to 24 million exchange enrollees nationwide would be at risk if enhanced subsidies lapse on Jan. 1; a mid‑December Senate vote to extend them has been promised.
đź“° Sources (3)
White House circulates a plan to extend Obamacare subsidies as Trump pledges health care fix
New information:
- The White House is circulating a draft plan to extend enhanced ACA subsidies for two more years.
- Draft includes capping eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level (above the pre‑pandemic 400% FPL baseline).
- Proposal would end zero‑premium plans by requiring all enrollees to pay a minimum premium (reported options include 2% of income or at least $5/month).
- White House officials say no plan is final until announced by President Trump; a spokesperson and the press secretary confirmed ongoing talks.
- Sen. Maggie Hassan (D‑N.H.) called it a starting point, signaling possible bipartisan negotiations.
Republicans promised health care negotiations after the shutdown, but Democrats are wary
New information:
- Mid‑December Senate vote promised on extending ACA subsidies that prevent sharp premium hikes, but House GOP leaders signal opposition.
- Democratic proposals include a one‑year (Senate) and a three‑year (House) extension; Republicans weigh changes or broader ACA overhaul.
- AP cites up to 24 million exchange enrollees at risk nationally if subsidies lapse Jan. 1.