Dueling health care plans fail in the Senate as ACA premium deadline approaches : NPR

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Millions of Americans who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's marketplace will soon have to pay much more unless Congress strikes a last-minute deal. Here's NPR's Sage Miller.

SAGE MILLER, BYLINE: As the calendar approaches Jan. 1, Congress is deadlocked over how to address health care costs. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate put forward competing health care plans, but none passed the 60-vote threshold needed to advance.

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UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: This vote was 51 in favor, 48 against. Three-fifths of the senators duly chosen and sworn did not vote in favor, and the motion failed.

MILLER: The result was expected. Democrats want Obamacare subsidies to be extended for three consecutive years, but Republicans disagree. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says a simple extension would not address fraud or taxpayers sending money to insurance companies through subsidies.

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JOHN THUNE: The way we think it should work is that you have to figure out a way in which you can benefit patients rather than benefit insurance companies.

MILLER: The GOP alternative would be to put some money into Americans' health savings accounts under certain Obamacare plans. But it doesn't extend the subsidies, and the money can't be used to pay for health insurance. Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, says the bill fails because it doesn't address rising health care costs in the ACA exchanges.

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CHUCK SCHUMER: When families open their health insurance accounts in January and see sky-high premiums, the American people will know that Democrats fought to stop these hikes and Republicans fought to ensure they would happen.

MILLER: The White House responded to Thursday's failed vote. Spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt told reporters that Republicans were not yet done with the issue.

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CAROLINE LEAVITT: The President and Republicans will continue to present creative ideas and solutions to the health care crisis created by the Democrats.

MILLER: The battle on the Hill is not over yet. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise says the chamber is set to vote on other health care plans that address the entire system, not just the exchanges.

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STEVE SCALISE: Starting next week, the House of Representatives will vote on bills that would lower insurance premiums for 100% of Americans.

MILLER: Republicans haven't said what will be in these bills. But one thing is clear: If Congress doesn't reach a consensus on health care by the end of the year, insurance premiums will skyrocket.

Sage Miller, NPR News.

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