House Republicans have unveiled a new health care package aimed at reducing rising medical costs, but the proposal does not extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire soon.
Eko Hot News reports that the narrow measure, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, is scheduled for a vote on the House floor next week, during the final legislative session of 2025.
The 111-page bill seeks to expand association health plans, introduce CHOICE arrangements, and impose stricter transparency requirements on pharmacy benefit managers to help lower prescription drug costs.
The proposal also includes funding for cost-sharing reductions designed to reduce premiums in the individual insurance market, but excludes additional funding for health savings accounts.
Speaker Johnson said the bill addresses the root causes of high health care costs, arguing that Republicans are focused on affordability, choice, and system integrity rather than expanding subsidies to insurers.
Republican leaders are also considering a separate amendment that could extend ACA subsidies, though details are still under discussion ahead of the Rules Committee markup scheduled for Tuesday.
President Donald Trump said he prefers a health care system that directs financial assistance straight to patients through insurance or health care accounts, while leaving the door open to a limited extension of ACA tax credits.
House Democrats criticized the proposal, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries describing it as “toxic legislation” that fails to prevent looming premium hikes for millions of Americans.
Despite internal divisions among Republicans over the subsidy issue, House GOP leaders hope to pass the bill next week, even as Senate action remains unlikely.
