Millions face skyrocketing health insurance costs unless Congress extends subsidies

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

WASHINGTON (AP) — There's bipartisan support in Congress for extending tax credits that have made health insurance more affordable for millions of people since the COVID-19 pandemic. But the credits are in danger of expiring as Republicans and Democrats clash over how to do it.

Democrats are threatening to vote to shut down the government at the end of the month if Republicans don't extend the subsidies, which were first put in place in 2021 and extended a year later when they controlled Congress and the White House. The tax credits, which are slated to expire at the end of the year, go to low- and middle-income people who purchase health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Some Republicans who have opposed the health care law since it was enacted under President Barack Obama are suddenly open to keeping the tax credits. They acknowledge that many of their constituents could see steep hikes in coverage if the subsidies are allowed to lapse.

Still, the two sides are far apart. Republicans are divided, with many firmly opposed. GOP leaders in the House and Senate have been open but noncommittal on the extension, and many of those Republicans who say they support it argue that the tax credits should be reworked — potentially opening up a new health care debate that could take months to resolve.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/millions-face-skyrocketing-health-insurance-112022511.html

[Fiendish Thingy]

1. Why should Dems help republicans in the midterms?

The “bipartisan deal” currently on the table would only extend ACA tax credits/subsidies through January 2027- that’s correct, right after the midterms.

Why would Dems agree to such a shitty deal (which I’m guessing was brokered by the Problem Solvers caucus)?

Instead, Dems should insist on repealing that section of the OBBB, so the ACA subsidies become permanent , and if that deal doesn’t pass, shrug and say “we tried our best to protect American families, but the republicans insisted on triggering sky high premium hikes”.

Then let the chips fall where they may…squarely on the shoulders of republicans…right before the midterms.