Republican leaders in the House released the text of their latest healthcare legislation, which would not extend the advanced premium tax credits (APTCs) that are set to expire on December 31, 2025. The House Committee on Rules is scheduled to consider the legislation on Tuesday, followed by a full House vote on Wednesday. We expect an amendment to be introduced that would prevent the APTCs from expiring. This could allow Republican members to go on record as supporting the extension of the tax credits. However, the process is far from certain. The Rules Committee may not be able to pass a rule to allow a vote on the APTCs, and the rule itself may not be able to pass on the House floor. A vote on healthcare legislation in the House this week is not a done deal.
The Republican healthcare legislation currently includes several provisions to address healthcare costs. The bill would fund the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing reductions, codify employer-sponsored Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, permit association health plans for small businesses and self-employed individuals, preempt state laws on stop loss insurance, and implement transparency reforms for pharmacy benefit managers.
Later this week, the House will consider two bills impacting gender-affirming care. H.R. 3492 would define gender transition procedures for minors as genital and bodily mutilation or chemical castration. H.R. 498 would prohibit federal Medicaid funding for gender transition for minors and would define the terms “female” and “male.” These votes will likely coincide with the release of regulatory guidance on conditions of participation in Medicare and restrictions on Medicaid funding, both related to gender-affirming care.
With Congress concluding its work for 2025 at the end of this week, you’ll get the next Healthcare Preview in your inbox on January 5, 2026. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
In this week’s Healthcare Preview podcast, Debbie Curtis and Rodney Whitlock join Julia Grabo to discuss what they are watching on the House floor this week – the final one in session for Congress this year.
