Urgent: Health Care Deal Faces Deadline as Costs Soar for Millions

UPDATE: Lawmakers in Washington D.C. are racing against the clock to tackle soaring health care costs, with critical Affordable Care Act credits set to expire at the end of the year. California Representatives Kevin Kiley and Sam Liccardo have introduced the urgent “Fix It Act,” aiming to extend these vital subsidies for an additional two years, impacting 22 million Americans.

Kiley emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “On average, people’s healthcare premiums will double.” Independent contractors, small business owners, and retirees not yet eligible for Medicare will face the brunt of these financial burdens, making swift action imperative. “I’m not willing to just do nothing,” he added during an interview on California Politics 360.

As lawmakers grapple with this pressing issue, President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing options to address health care affordability but has shown reluctance to extend the credits. Kiley noted that the administration’s considerations align closely with the Fix It Act’s proposals. “We do need to act with a sense of urgency here,” he stated, underscoring the need for Congress to take proactive measures.

The political landscape remains tense, with House Speaker Mike Johnson yet to schedule a vote on the bill. Kiley anticipates a Senate vote on some form of extension by December 12, 2023. He urged Johnson to recognize that this is a priority for both lawmakers and the American public, stating, “Hopefully the Speaker will understand this is a priority for the members and a priority for the American people.”

With the clock ticking down to the end of the year, the pressure mounts for Congress to act decisively on health care costs that threaten to skyrocket. The urgency of this situation resonates deeply with millions who rely on these subsidies for their health care needs.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue develops. For more insights, watch the full interview with Rep. Kevin Kiley on KCRA 3’s California Politics 360, airing each Sunday at 8:30 a.m.