The Senate will vote tomorrow on dueling health care plans: Democrats’ proposal to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years, and a plan from two Republican chairmen that would instead give enrollees funds in health savings accounts.
Why it matters:
The move gives the GOP an alternative to point to if the ACA subsidies expire at the end of the year and health care costs spike for millions of people.
- But neither plan is expected to get the 60 votes to advance.
Driving the news:
The plan from Finance Committee chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and health committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-La.) wouldn’t extend the tax credits past their year-end expiration, instead providing $1,000 to $1,500 in health savings accounts to help certain marketplace enrollees with out-of-pocket costs.
- It’s drawn sharp criticism from some Democrats for leaving working-class Americans saddled with high health costs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (S.D.) left open the possibility of talks after both votes fail on Thursday, though there is deep skepticism about the chances of reaching a bipartisan agreement.
- “If neither proposal gets 60 then we’ll see where it goes from there,” Thune said.
- President Trump, asked later about the Crapo-Cassidy bill and whether Republicans should vote for it, told reporters, “I like the concept. … I love the idea of money going directly to the people.”
Between the lines:
On the House side, GOP leadership, committee chairs and leaders of House GOP factions met yesterday to discuss health proposals, with an eye toward a possible House vote this year.
- Members left the meeting tight-lipped, saying discussions are ongoing.
- The full House Republican conference is expected to discuss health proposals in its meeting this morning ahead of potential votes next week.
HENRY KOTULA 