Sen. Shaheen warns millions could lose coverage as ACA subsidies expire : NPR

As the current Affordable Care Act tax subsidies near expiration, the Senate getting ready to vote on two competing proposals — one from Democrats and the other from Republicans — although neither is expected to receive the 60 votes needed to advance.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said the outcome seems almost predetermined. On Morning EditionShe explained that “people are seeing their insurance rates go up and they double, triple, and in some cases even more.” If Congress doesn't act, she warned, “we're going to see a lot of people lose their health insurance.”

Shaheen added that voters “will know very clearly who to blame if the bill doesn't pass,” noting growing pressure on House Republicans from voters who “see rates going up and can't afford health insurance.”

Shaheen also addressed political differences closer to home. Her daughter Stephanie Shaheen is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Hampshire and has publicly criticized her mother's vote to reopen the government. The senator said they had a “great” Thanksgiving together. Regarding the controversy, she added, “I know her position on this issue and she knows my position, and I look forward to seeing her in Congress as an independent candidate speaking her mind and working on health care issues.”

Listen to her full conversation with NPR's Steve Inskeep by clicking play in the blue box above.

The radio version of this story was edited by Ellie Schweitzer and produced by Nia Dumas. Digital text was written by Majd Al-Wahedi and edited by Suzanne Nuyen.