In a feeble attempt to keep millions of people from seeing their healthcare premiums increase exponentially by the end of the month/year, Moses Mike unveiled the GOP’s 100-page, unserious ‘healthcare’ plan that does pretty much nothing except “enhance access to employer-sponsored health insurance plans and clamp down on so-called pharmacy benefit managers.”
Republicans propose expanding access to what’s referred to as association health plans, which would allow more small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together and purchase health coverage.
“House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the package. He said it would be voted on next week.
Proponents say such plans increase the leverage businesses have to negotiate a lower rate. But critics say the plans provide skimpier coverage than what is required under the Affordable Care Act.
The House Republicans’ plan also does not include an extension of an enhanced tax credit for millions of Americans who get insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, that enhanced subsidy expires Dec. 31, leaving most families in the program facing more than double their current out-of-pocket premiums, and in some cases, much more.
But, their proposal would also require more data from pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, as a way to help control drug costs. Critics say PBMs have padded their bottom line and made it more difficult for independent pharmacists to survive.
Additionally, the GOP plan includes mention of cost-sharing reductions for some lower-income people who rely on Obamacare, but those do not take effect until January 2027.
The Fascist Felon’s Response to the Mess He and the GOP Created:
This flailing shows how unprepared the GOP is to be the dog that caught the car. Tens of millions of Americans are about to see their already too-expensive health insurance rates skyrocket. Millions will end up with no coverage—all thanks to the GOP, who, meanwhile, gave billionaires more tax cuts.
— 🗽LOLGOP🗽 (@thefarce.org) December 13, 2025 at 3:08 AM
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Who is the REAL ‘Sycophant’?
Mike Johnson: Trump is not a lame-duck. He’s the most powerful president of this generation and many others
— Republicans Against Trumpism (@rpsagainsttrump.bsky.social) December 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
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The Democratic Party’s Response:
Political pressure is building for many:
Going Johnson’s route has left vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts in a tough spot.
Frustrated with the delays, a group of more centrist GOP lawmakers is aligning with Democrats to push their own proposals for continuing the tax credits, for now, so that Americans don’t face rising health care costs.
They are pursuing several paths for passing a temporary ACA subsidy extension, co-sponsoring a handful of bills. They are also signing onto so-called discharge petitions that could force a floor vote if a majority of the House signs on.
Such petitions are designed to get around the majority’s control and are rarely successful, but this year has proven to be an exception. Lawmakers, for example, were able to use a discharge petition to force a vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files held by the Department of Justice.