WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie is among a group of 35 House members proposing a menu of options for lawmakers to consider as they deal with the issue of rising health insurance premiums if tax breaks expire at year’s end.
Their plan includes an extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, with some modifications around the various income levels to qualify, and more significant reforms in a second year.
The coalition of lawmakers is led by Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia.
They’re calling for a vote by Dec. 18 in both chambers of Congress, ahead of the expiration.
“Every American understands that our health care system is failing to deliver the affordability and transparency that families deserve,” Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, said in a statement.
“Achieving critical changes requires bipartisan reforms — both in the immediate future and in the long term — that begin to correct Washington’s mistakes and reduce the burden on the American people. This begins with an extension of enhanced premium tax credits for those who need them, coupled with commonsense reforms that reduce waste, eliminate fraud, and improve oversight."
Gottheimer said health premiums are expected to rise an average of 26% next year.
“Today’s framework brings us closer to achieving commonsense, bipartisan reforms to our health care system."
U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley
According to a New York Times report, almost all of the 15 Republicans who have endorsed the measure represent swing districts and expect to face tough re-election fights in 2026.
The proposals would seem to be a longshot. House Republicans have expressed little motivation to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits.
According to Mackenzie’s office, key features of the reforms include:
- A two-year extension of enhanced premium tax credits for enrollees earning less than 600% of the federal poverty line, with a phaseout for those making between 600-1000% of the poverty line.
- New guardrails to crack down on fraud and prevent “ghost beneficiaries,” including implementation of the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act and greater oversight of eligibility.
- An extension of open enrollment until March 19, 2026.
- Pharmacy benefit manager reform that promotes transparency and eliminates “spread pricing” in Medicaid.
- Proposals for future reforms, including hospital billing transparency and support for health care savings accounts.
Said Mackenzie: “Today’s framework brings us closer to achieving commonsense, bipartisan reforms to our health care system, and I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues on both sides to improve American health care.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.