"Nearly a month ago, Senate Majority Leader John Thune convinced a group of Senate Democrats to end the nation's longest government shutdown by promising them a December vote on a measure to extend Obamacare premium subsidies. The roughly 24 million Americans potentially hurt by the December 31 expiration of these subsidies might have hoped the planned vote would lead Republicans to either back an extension or cut a deal to extend the subsidies temporarily while a longer-term health-care reform measure could be worked out."
"Thune & Co. made no real effort to negotiate with Democrats, perhaps expecting Donald Trump to step in and broker some deal. But alas, Trump was as indifferent to the plight of those on the Obamacare subsidy cliff as his Senate allies. So after this exercise in messaging, it's very clear the subsidies will expire and millions of Americans will experience skyrocketing premiums and out-of-pocket expenses."
"Four Senate Republicans - Susan Collins, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan - voted for both bills. Collins and Sullivan, as it happens, are up for reelection next year. There is also a group of Republican "moderates" in the House who are trying to convince Speaker Mike Johnson, or force him via discharge petitions, to hold a vote on a subsidy extension next week, perhaps in another twin vote that includes another pasted-together "Republican alternative.""
Senate Majority Leader John Thune secured a December vote from Senate Democrats to extend Obamacare premium subsidies after ending a lengthy government shutdown. The subsidies face expiration on December 31, threatening roughly 24 million Americans with much higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Senate Republicans rejected the Democratic extension and offered an alternative that Democrats would not accept, with minimal negotiation and no intervention from President Trump. The loss of subsidies will hit hardest in red states that declined Medicaid expansion. Some Republicans and House moderates are pushing for a vote, but the path to a lasting compromise remains uncertain.
Read at Intelligencer
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