Rockland Post Desk
Congressman Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., voiced sharp frustration this week after House Republican leaders declined to bring a direct vote to the floor on extending expanded health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, (ACA) a decision he warned could lead to more increased healthcare costs over the initial increases caused by Obamacare when it was passed 15 year ago, for millions of Americans.
Lawler, who represents a competitive congressional district that includes parts of Westchester and Dutchess Counties and all of Rockland and Putnam Counties, criticized the move following a House Republican Conference meeting, calling the decision “idiotic” and “political malpractice.” He said he was angry not for political reasons, but for people who rely on affordable health coverage.
The subsidies in question are federal tax credits that help lower monthly insurance premiums for individuals and families who purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. These credits were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, (which were set to expire on December 31, this year) allowing more people to qualify and reducing out-of-pocket costs for many who already had coverage.
Those expanded subsidies are scheduled to expire at the end of the year unless Congress takes action. If that happens, health policy experts say many people could see significant premium increases beginning in 2026. Some families could face hundreds of dollars more per month, while others may be forced to drop coverage entirely because it becomes unaffordable.
Lawler said he pushed for an up-or-down vote to extend the subsidies for a limited period, but House leadership chose not to move forward. He criticized leaders from both parties, saying the failure to act reflected a lack of seriousness about addressing a real problem facing constituents.
“You have leaders who are more focused on politics than on solving this,” Lawler said, referring to House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Speaker Johnson and Republican leaders have said they are pursuing a broader health care approach that does not include extending the current subsidies, arguing that the program is too costly and needs restructuring. However, moderate Republicans, including Lawler, warn that allowing the subsidies to lapse could cause immediate harm to working families, older adults not yet eligible for Medicare, and self-employed individuals who rely on the ACA marketplace for coverage.
While the impact would not be felt immediately, analysts say higher costs would begin appearing in 2026 insurance plans, giving consumers little time to adjust.
The issue is expected to resurface when Congress reconvenes in the new year. For now, Lawler said he will continue pressing for action, warning that the consequences of inaction will be felt most by everyday Americans struggling to keep up with rising health care costs.