US House votes to extend Obamacare subsidies, thanks to revolt among Republicans
17 conservative lawmakers defied party leadership to vote with the Democrats, putting pressure on the Senate to follow suit
US lawmakers voted on Thursday to revive health insurance subsidies that expired at the end of last year, offering hope to millions of Americans facing steep premium hikes – and pressuring the Senate to follow suit.
The bill, which passed with Democratic support and backing from a small bloc of Republicans defying their own leadership, would extend enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act – widely known as Obamacare – for three years.
Those subsidies lower monthly insurance costs for Americans who buy coverage on government-run marketplaces.
Their expiration on January 1 more than doubled payments for many households, reigniting a politically sensitive debate over healthcare affordability in a year set to be dominated by the high-stakes midterm congressional elections.
Even supporters concede the House bill is unlikely to become law in its current form.
US President Donald Trump has criticised the subsidies as wasteful and has urged Republicans to push for changes, though he has also told lawmakers they may need to be flexible to reach a deal.