“A decision by Congress to let enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies expire next year could leave 2 million people with chronic conditions uninsured, a new analysis from consulting firm Oliver Wyman shows,” Tina Reed writes over at Axios. “Why it matters: The fate of the subsidies is shaping up to be one of the biggest health care issues facing the next Congress. Democrats on Wednesday introduced legislation to permanently extend the aid — a long shot, considering it would increase the deficit by $335 billion over a decade. But a short-term extension could be in the cards, especially if one party doesn’t control the White House and Congress. Catch up quick: The premium tax credits were enacted during the pandemic and extended to the end of 2025 via the Inflation Reduction Act. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated A.C.A. marketplace enrollment would drop from an estimated 22.8 million in 2025 to 18.9 million the following year if the enhanced subsidies expire.” Tina Reed, “Ending A.C.A. subsidies could affect 2 million chronically ill,” Axios.
