The Senate failed to pass a Republican-led health care bill as the deadline to extend Obamacare subsidies approaches quickly.
The Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Mike Crapo of Idaho, did not secure passage in a 51-48 vote. One Republican senator, Rand Paul of Kentucky, joined 47 Democrats in voting against the bill. While 51 Republicans supported the legislation, it fell short of the required 60 votes to pass. Notably, Senator Steve Daines of Montana was absent from the vote.
The bill would have allowed Obamacare subsidies to lapse and redirected funds to individual health savings accounts, fostering competition and broadening health care options.
Certain subsidies under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act are set to expire at year’s end. These subsidies were a key factor in Senate Democrats’ decision to shut down the government in October.
Despite contributing to the nation’s longest government shutdown, Senate Democrats have yet to reach an agreement with Republicans on addressing health care.
Other Republican lawmakers have introduced alternative legislation to tackle the impending subsidy crisis. Senator Rick Scott of Florida proposed the More Affordable Care Act, which would redirect federal subsidies to HSA-style accounts known as Trump Health Freedom Accounts. This bill would also establish a Health Freedom Waiver Program to broaden health care options for states.
The companion bill was introduced in the House by Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger. No vote has been scheduled for either chamber on this legislation.
