White House draft would extend ACA subsidies two years, add minimum premiums
A White House draft circulated in early December would extend enhanced ACA premium subsidies for two years, cap eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level and end zero‑premium plans by requiring a minimum enrollee payment (reported options include 2% of income or at least $5/month), though officials say no plan is final. The proposal faces uncertainty as Senate GOP leaders rolled out a separate plan that does not extend subsidies and House GOP leaders signal opposition, leaving up to 24 million exchange enrollees nationally — and about 89,000 MNsure recipients who could see premiums jump 50% — at risk if subsidies lapse while Democrats push alternative extension timelines.
📌 Key Facts
- The White House circulated a draft to extend enhanced ACA (Obamacare) premium subsidies for two years that would cap eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level and require all enrollees to pay a minimum premium (reported options include 2% of income or at least $5/month), which would effectively end zero‑premium plans.
- Administration officials said the draft is not final and no plan is official until announced by President Trump; spokespeople confirmed ongoing talks and Sen. Maggie Hassan called the draft a "starting point" for potential bipartisan negotiations.
- U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a separate GOP health‑care plan on Dec. 9, 2025, that does not include extending the enhanced premium subsidies, creating a direct contrast with the White House draft and increasing uncertainty about whether subsidies will continue.
- Democratic proposals on the table included a one‑year extension in the Senate and a three‑year extension in the House, while some Republicans are weighing changes to the subsidies or a broader overhaul of the ACA.
- A mid‑December Senate vote on extending the subsidies was promised, but House GOP leaders signaled opposition, setting up a potential legislative standoff ahead of the Jan. 1 lapse.
- The Associated Press estimated that up to 24 million exchange enrollees nationwide could be at risk if the enhanced subsidies lapse on Jan. 1, highlighting the stakes for consumers and insurers.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2024, Latino Americans accounted for 29.4% of HealthCare.gov plan selections, higher than their 21.3% share of the non-elderly adult population.
HealthCare.gov Plan Selections by Race and Ethnicity, 2015-2024 — ASPE
In 2024, Black Americans accounted for 16.3% of HealthCare.gov plan selections, higher than their 12.3% share of the non-elderly adult population.
HealthCare.gov Plan Selections by Race and Ethnicity, 2015-2024 — ASPE
In 2023, the uninsured rate for Hispanic people ages 0-64 was 19.0%, compared to 5.5% for non-Hispanic White people.
Uninsured Rates for People Ages 0-64 by Race/Ethnicity — KFF
In 2023, the uninsured rate for Black people ages 0-64 was 10.8%, compared to 5.5% for non-Hispanic White people.
Uninsured Rates for People Ages 0-64 by Race/Ethnicity — KFF
Black people have a life expectancy of 72.8 years, compared to 77.5 years for White people.
Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity — KFF
📰 Sources (4)
- U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled a health-care plan that does not include extending the enhanced ACA premium subsidies.
- The GOP proposal contrasts with the previously reported White House draft to extend subsidies, increasing uncertainty over whether subsidies will continue.
- Rollout date identified as December 9, 2025.
- The White House is circulating a draft plan to extend enhanced ACA subsidies for two more years.
- Draft includes capping eligibility at 700% of the federal poverty level (above the pre‑pandemic 400% FPL baseline).
- Proposal would end zero‑premium plans by requiring all enrollees to pay a minimum premium (reported options include 2% of income or at least $5/month).
- White House officials say no plan is final until announced by President Trump; a spokesperson and the press secretary confirmed ongoing talks.
- Sen. Maggie Hassan (D‑N.H.) called it a starting point, signaling possible bipartisan negotiations.
- Mid‑December Senate vote promised on extending ACA subsidies that prevent sharp premium hikes, but House GOP leaders signal opposition.
- Democratic proposals include a one‑year (Senate) and a three‑year (House) extension; Republicans weigh changes or broader ACA overhaul.
- AP cites up to 24 million exchange enrollees at risk nationally if subsidies lapse Jan. 1.