WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives is moving toward a vote on legislation that would extend expired health care tax credits for three years, as lawmakers from both parties negotiate support for the measure aimed at helping eligible individuals and families afford health insurance coverage.
House leaders scheduled the vote after bipartisan talks produced growing backing for the proposal, including support from an increasing number of Republican members alongside Democrats. The measure would restore tax credits tied to health plans sold through federally created health insurance marketplaces.
The credits previously expired, prompting concerns from health policy analysts, advocacy groups and lawmakers about higher insurance premiums and potential coverage losses. Supporters of the bill said extending the credits for three years would help control premium costs and reduce the risk that consumers drop coverage because of affordability issues.
Lawmakers backing the proposal described it as a temporary step. They said the three-year extension would give Congress time to debate long-term health care policy while providing stability for insurers and predictability for consumers.
Most House Democrats support the extension, citing data showing that the credits expanded access to coverage, particularly for middle- and lower-income households facing rising premiums. They said allowing the credits to lapse could increase the number of uninsured Americans.
If approved by the House, the bill would move to the Senate, where lawmakers have not yet set a timetable for action. The administration has said it supports maintaining financial assistance for health insurance, citing affordability as a key factor in enrollment and coverage stability.
Health insurers, patient groups and state-based marketplace officials are monitoring the vote, citing potential effects on enrollment, premiums and outreach planning.
