Trump Floats Proposal to Prolong Obamacare Subsidies for Two Years as Health Care Expenses Loom
The administration of President Donald Trump is moving forward with a plan to continue Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies for an extra two years,
as reported by several sources
, while millions of Americans prepare for possible increases in health care expenses once the current pandemic-era tax credits run out at the end of the year. The proposal, which is still being evaluated,
would raise the subsidy eligibility limit to 700%
of the federal poverty line—an increase from the previous 400% cap, though it falls short of Democrats’ calls for a permanent extension. The draft also
requires all ACA participants to pay a monthly premium
, effectively eliminating zero-premium options for those with lower incomes and addressing Republican concerns about fraud and oversight.
The White House has stated that no final decision has been reached, but the draft signals a notable shift for Trump, who has consistently criticized the ACA. This development comes amid mounting political pressure,
after Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill
earlier this month, insisting on a solution for the subsidy issue before agreeing to end the record-setting 43-day government shutdown. While the administration is seeking bipartisan backing,
experts point out that the proposal’s prospects
for reaching the 60-vote threshold in the Senate are unclear, especially as Republicans consider alternatives like budget reconciliation to bypass Democratic resistance.
The implications for consumers are significant.
If the extension is not approved, average subsidized premiums
for ACA marketplace coverage could more than double in January, according to research from KFF. Over 22 million Americans currently benefit from these expanded subsidies,
which were broadened during the pandemic
to include higher-earning households. For a couple aged 60 with an annual income of $85,000,
monthly premiums could jump by $1,883
—a cost increase that critics warn could drive healthier individuals out of the market, raising expenses for those who remain.
Political friction highlights the larger challenge.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune
(R-S.D.) and moderate Democrats have agreed to schedule a vote on the subsidies in mid-December, coinciding with the December 15 enrollment deadline for 2026 plans. However, House Republicans have shown little interest in prioritizing the matter, with some lawmakers instead advocating for redirecting federal subsidies to health savings accounts or reinsurance programs.
These proposals are intended to lower long-term expenses
but are met with skepticism from Democrats, who argue that reducing subsidies would destabilize the ACA marketplaces.
The administration’s plan also features measures to enhance fraud prevention, such as formalizing the “program integrity rule” aimed at curbing waste and abuse. White House officials have repeatedly dismissed earlier reports as “pure speculation,” though they confirm that Trump is actively involved in developing a “healthcare plan designed to lower costs for consumers”
according to experts
.
With the Senate preparing for a mid-December vote and the House’s stance still uncertain, the result of this political standoff will decide whether millions of Americans keep affordable coverage or face steep price increases. For now, the ACA continues to be a focal point of partisan debate,
with both parties recognizing
that health care costs—and the narratives around them—will be crucial in the upcoming midterm elections.
