The U.S. House approved a three-year extension of ACA health care tax credits with bipartisan support, aiming to serve as a foundation for a broader Senate compromise on health care reform, amid ongoing negotiations and disagreements over reforms and funding.
Most Texas Republicans oppose extending ACA premium tax credits, which are set to expire at year's end, risking millions losing coverage and higher premiums, while some Democrats and moderate Republicans push for extensions amid ongoing legislative debates.
Four centrist Republicans defied House Speaker Mike Johnson by signing a petition to force a vote on extending enhanced ACA subsidies for three years, amid disagreements within the Republican Party over health care policy and the handling of pandemic-era support measures.
House Republicans proposed a narrow health care package that does not include extending the expiring ACA subsidies, focusing instead on expanding association health plans, transparency in drug costs, and reducing premiums, while discussions continue on possibly adding an amendment to extend the subsidies. The bill faces uncertain prospects in the Senate, and Democrats criticize the proposal for not addressing the upcoming premium hikes.
Senators from both parties are seeking a deal on expiring Obamacare subsidies, with discussions highlighting the challenges of reaching a bipartisan agreement amid differing proposals and political tensions, while other political developments include leadership struggles and legal investigations.
Congressional Republicans are divided on how to address the upcoming expiration of ObamaCare subsidies, with some proposing broader health system reforms and others focusing on temporary fixes, amid ongoing negotiations and a looming government shutdown.
Ady Barkan, an activist who fought for universal health care and other reforms to America's health-care system while battling ALS, has died at the age of 39. Barkan, a Yale-trained lawyer, used his illness to engage policymakers in discussions about health-care reforms and became a prominent commentator on health-care causes. He co-founded the political advocacy group Be a Hero and worked to raise awareness for priorities such as Medicare-for-all. Despite his deteriorating health, Barkan continued to advocate for health-care reforms and played a role in the 2020 presidential campaign. He urged the Biden administration to follow through on commitments and fought for additional funding for home health support. Barkan's messages resonated even as his body failed him, and he leaves behind a legacy of activism and hope for government accountability.
Ady Barkan, a prominent activist who campaigned for Medicare for all while battling A.L.S., has passed away at the age of 39. Despite his deteriorating health, Barkan's influence grew as he shared his personal story and advocated for change. He testified before Congress, interviewed presidential candidates, and spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Barkan co-founded the political organization Be a Hero and fought for various progressive causes. His activism played a significant role in protecting the Affordable Care Act and advancing health care reform.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for his entire Cabinet to resign and announced that three parties will leave his governing coalition. The reshuffle follows Petro’s frustration with the way Congress has handled his proposed health care reform. The departure of Finance Minister José Antonio Ocampo is likely to make markets especially nervous. The rupture of the coalition with traditional and more moderate parties will hurt the administration’s political leverage and governability. Petro’s government will be far less willing to incorporate moderate public policy proposals.