WASHINGTON — The White House says it’s “mere speculation” that President Trump will propose an extension of enhanced pandemic-era health insurance subsidies — after reports said that he was prepared to ask Congress to pass legislation swiftly to avoid consumer price hikes.
“Until President Trump makes an announcement himself, any reporting about the Administration’s healthcare positions is mere speculation,” said White House spokesman Kush Desai.
MS Now, formerly MSNBC, reported Sunday that Trump would announce as early as Monday a “framework” to avoid premium spikes after Dec. 31 for about 22 million people who purchased insurance through Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Politico subsequently reported that the plan calls for a two-year extension of subsidies for people with income up to 700% of the federal poverty line, meaning individuals who earn up to $109,550 would remain eligible, as would couples earning under $148,050 and families of three making up to $186,550.
Without congressional action, a pre-pandemic cutoff eliminating subsidies for people who earn more than 400% of the poverty level will take effect.
The lower limit, which had been in effect before 2021, would remove subsidies from individuals earning more than $62,600, married couples earning more than $84,600 and families of three taking home $106,600.
An extension of the subsidies was the primary demand of Senate Democrats during the 43-day government shutdown that ended Nov. 12.
Trump said throughout the funding lapse that he would negotiate after the government reopened.
A number of congressional Republicans support extending the subsidies, though Trump has not publicly endorsed the concept and has instead floated direct-to-consumer payments.
Other Republicans have pushed for price transparency mandates on healthcare providers as part of a GOP package.
A House bill that would extend the sunsetting subsidies by one year is sponsored or cosponsored by 15 Republicans — meaning it likely could pass if Democrats also support it in a possible floor vote. It’s unclear if enough Senate Republicans would vote in favor to clear the 60-vote threshold for most legislation.
