A Kansas Republican senator warned that some health insurance subsidies are likely to expire at the end of the year.
Senator Roger Marshall told Newsmax on Tuesday that he would be surprised if a bill to extend premium tax credits passes the Senate. The credits, which temporarily expanded eligibility, are set to expire at the end of this month.
“I think you’re gonna see a party-line vote. It’s gonna take 60 votes to pass something on Thursday,” Marshall said. “So, I expect these subsidies to expire, but we’re very willing to try to fix it.”
The enhanced tax credits have allowed more Americans to qualify for subsidized health insurance. If they lapse, premiums are expected to rise. Democrats have proposed a three-year extension, while Republicans favor direct payments to enrollees instead.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said votes on both proposals are scheduled for Thursday but expressed doubt that either plan would pass. “We’ll see where the Democrats come down on that,” Thune said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer last week pledged full Democratic support for his party’s plan, warning there would be no chance to act again before the credits expire.
“Any Republican who claims to care about premium increases on January 1 has only one realistic path, and that’s to support our bill for a simple, clean three-year extension,” Schumer said. “If Republicans block our bill, there’s no going back. We won’t get another chance to halt these premium spikes before they kick in at the start of the new year.”
Thune said there is a “path forward” to reduce healthcare costs but emphasized the need for reforms to the current system. He advocated for tighter eligibility rules for tax credits.
“You can’t have people who are making unlimited amounts of money qualifying for government subsidies,” Thune said. “Nor should people who pay nothing for coverage receive insurance, incentivizing insurers to cover those who don’t know they’re covered.”
The Senate is expected to adjourn for the holidays without resolving the issue.
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