Republicans in the Senate do not appear to be close to a consensus on a health care plan as several ideas are being floated among lawmakers.
The indecision comes at a crucial time as enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act in effect since 2021 are set to expire in January.
Only one of the plans currently being circulated appears to extend those subsidies. The proposal from Sen. Bernie Moreno (Ohio) would extend them for another two years. It has the backing of Sen. Susan Collins (Maine).
The plan would end premium tax credits for households with income of at least $200K and require a $25 minimum monthly premium, Punchbowl Newsreported.
A competing plan from Sens. Bill Cassidy (La.) and Mike Crapo (Idaho), who are, respectively, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, and Finance Committees, would not extend the enhanced subsidies, but instead provide payments into health savings accounts for individuals to select plans in health exchanges.
Eligible individuals between the ages of 18 and 49 who make less than 700% of the federal poverty guidelines would get $1000 in the account, Axiosreported. Those 50-64 would get $1500.
Two other plans are also on the table. One, from Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.), emphasizes health savings accounts, while another, from Sen. Josh Hawley (Mo.), would allow for easier deductions for health care savings plans, Politicosaid.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on a bill from Democrats that would extend enhanced subsidies for three more years.
