Republicans are proposing new alternatives to enhance Obamacare tax credits as the current ones are set to expire. The White House is expected to make an announcement addressing the issue. Middle-class Americans like Shana Verstegen are facing a 50% premium increase if the tax credits are not renewed by Congress. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised a vote on extending the credits in mid-December.

Some House Republicans are urging Senate leadership to negotiate extending the enhanced tax credits for a year. The cost of extending the subsidies is over $30 billion annually. President Trump opposes the extension, preferring direct cash payments to enrollees through a Health Savings Account. Sen. Bill Cassidy has proposed enhanced subsidies for lower-tier Bronze plans.

Time is running out for Congress to pass legislation on ACA subsidies. Oscar Health CEO Mark Bertolini supports extending the enhanced tax credits in the short term. Enrollees face a Dec. 15 deadline to sign up for 2026 coverage, with premiums expected to rise due to uncertainty over subsidy extensions. KFF’s Larry Levitt advises enrolling by the deadline regardless of subsidy status.

Read more at CNBC: Republicans push Obamacare tax credit alternatives as deadline looms