Health care costs set to rise for millions in U.S.
By: Zachary Schermele
USA Today
WASHINGTON - The Senate on December 11 [2025] rejected advancing a bill to prevent health care premiums from spiking in 2026 for millions of federal health care enrollees.
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The failed vote leaves lawmakers virtually no time before their holiday break to soften the approaching financial blow for many Americans Federal subsidies relied on by millions who have health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act exchange will expire come January. [2026] In many cases, people's premiums will double or even triple.
..... "I say to my Republican colleagues, our bill is the last train to leave the station," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said ahead of the vote. "if Republicans don't climb abroad, there won't be another chance tact before premiums skyrocket next year." [2026]
..... Notably, four Republicans - Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Josh Hawley of Missouri - defected form their party to try to extend the subsides. The final tally was 51 in support and 48 against, with Senator Steve Daines, R-Montana, not voting. The measure needed 60 votes to advance.
..... "I'm open to an extension because I think the premium cost is real," Haley told reporters the day before the vote.
..... Though the bill's rejection was expected, it stood out as a disappointing finale for many Democrats after months of fighting against this outcome.
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The expiration of the ACA subsidies was Democrats; principal objection during the 43-day shutdown, and now there's allots no time left to address the cost increase.
..... Still, it's looking increasingly likely that Republicans in both the House and Senate will consider bills in the next few months aimed at making health care more affordable for Americans. In additions to the failed vote, lawmakers shot down a bill to proceed with a separate GOP proposal on December 11 [2025] that would have deposited $1,000 to $1,500 annually into health-savings accounts for eligible Americans.
..... Though that proposal would have helped people struggling to afford health care, it would not have fully address the issue of the expiring subsidies, which come in the from of tax credits.