Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., said that news of the Trump administration’s plan to extend Obamacare subsidy eligibility would be capped at 700% of the federal poverty level, according to the Associated Press. The White House is also considering requiring every enrollee to pay at least something toward their coverage — a move that would end the zero-premium plans created during the pandemic. One option would mandate a minimum contribution of 2% of income, or at least $5 a month for lower-tier plans, a change Republicans argue is needed to crack down on fraud and restore accountability to the program. Murphy pointed to falling insurance-company stock prices and rising premiums as proof the current system is under pressure — “they have to have a way to bolster their stock, bolster their profits. So they’re raising premiums.” Murphy added that, while extending subsidies is “a good part of what’s happening,” he emphasized, “we also really, really need to work concurrently on how we lower healthcare costs in the country.” He warned the left wants “more insurance-company profits … push[ing] towards a single-payer system,” and said unless immediate action is taken, “it will blow up in our face … if we did not do something in the short term to push these subsidies.” Murphy told Salcedo he supports the extension of subsidies as a near-term fix. “I’m glad the president’s working towards this. We have to do something,” he said.
Trump’s Plan to Extend Obamacare Subsidies Sparks Debate
