House Republicans Pass Healthcare Bill to Lower Costs, Deepening Divide Over Obamacare Subsidies

House Republicans passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act with a 216-211 party-line vote, aiming to lower healthcare costs and present an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.

The legislation notably does not extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, a move that Democrats warn could negatively impact 22 million Americans currently relying on these tax credits.

The CBO estimates the bill will reduce the federal deficit by $35.6 billion over the next decade, decreasing benchmark premium costs by 11% and annual insurance enrollment by 100,000.

Despite its passage in the House, the bill faces slim chances in the Senate, highlighting significant policy differences between Republicans and Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

Speaker Mike Johnson faces pressure from moderate Republicans to extend subsidies, with four GOP members joining Democrats in a discharge petition for a three-year extension vote.