As the end of the year approaches, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are racing against time to address escalating health care costs for millions of Americans. The expiration of COVID-19 era subsidies under the Affordable Care Act is at the forefront of discussions, raising concerns that the costs of health care premiums could significantly increase for many individuals and families. To combat this issue, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley and Democratic Rep. Sam Liccardo from California have introduced a proposal known as the “Fix It Act,” which aims to extend these critical subsidies for an additional two years.
Rep. Kiley emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that approximately 22 million Americans would be adversely affected if the subsidies were to expire. “On average, people’s health care premiums will double,” he remarked in an interview with California Politics 360. He highlighted that independent contractors, small business owners, and retirees not yet eligible for Medicare would bear the brunt of these changes and expressed his commitment to finding a solution.
Urgency in Addressing Health Care Costs
Prior to the holiday season, former President Donald Trump was reportedly considering a plan that mirrored the proposal from Kiley and Liccardo. However, Trump has shown reluctance to extend the subsidies, complicating the legislative landscape. “We do need to act with a sense of urgency here,” Kiley asserted, acknowledging that while this proposal may not fully resolve the broader health care affordability crisis, it is a necessary step that Congress must prioritize.
Kiley also addressed concerns regarding bipartisan support for the Fix It Act, noting that he has received “quite a bit” of backing from his Republican colleagues. Despite this, House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to indicate when a vote on the measure might occur. Kiley anticipates that the Senate could take action on some form of an extension by December 12, 2023, urging the Speaker to recognize the urgency of the situation for both lawmakers and the American public.
Potential Impact on Millions
The looming deadline for the Affordable Care Act credits poses a significant challenge, as millions of Americans depend on these subsidies for affordable health care. The introduction of the Fix It Act represents a proactive approach to mitigate the potential fallout from the expiration of these credits. As lawmakers continue to negotiate, the outcome of these discussions will have lasting implications for the health care system and the financial well-being of many individuals and families across the United States.
In closing, Kiley remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects of the Fix It Act. He emphasizes the need for swift action to secure health care affordability for the American people and calls on his colleagues to prioritize this critical issue as the year draws to a close.
