What the Health? From KFF Health News Time’s Up for Expanded ACA Tax Credits
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Dec 18, 2025 Tami Luhby, a senior health reporter at CNN, Alice Miranda Ollstein from Politico, and Lizzy Lawrence of Stat News engage in a critical discussion on the looming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, highlighting the potential impact on millions of Americans. They explore the CDC's controversial decision to drop the hepatitis B recommendation for newborns and dissect the political complexities surrounding abortion policies affecting health care subsidies. The panel also shares insights on future health policy themes, including the resurgence of infectious diseases and the politicization of science.
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ACA Subsidies Forced Back To January Vote
- The House passed a bill called the Lower Healthcare Premiums for All Act that omits extension of enhanced ACA premium tax credits.
- Four moderate Republicans forced a discharge petition to secure a January vote on renewing the subsidies.
Bill Shifts Costs From Federal To Consumers
- The House bill moves money around by restoring cost-sharing payments while reducing premium assistance for many consumers.
- That will likely raise out-of-pocket costs for people in gold, bronze and platinum plans.
Cost-Sharing Refunds Won't Help Everyone
- Refunding cost-sharing reductions would lower silver plan premiums but also reduce the premium subsidies tied to those plans.
- The net effect could push people toward higher out-of-pocket costs despite lower federal spending.