House votes to extend ACA premium subsidies in bow to affordability

WASHINGTON — The House voted 230 to 196 to pass a three-year extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, with 17 Republicans joining all Democrats in favor. Five Republicans did not vote.

That the House considered the matter at all shows how health care affordability is becoming a major issue for vulnerable Republican lawmakers, after the expiration of subsidies led to skyrocketing premium costs for millions of people who rely on ACA insurance plans. 

Now, negotiations move to the Senate, where a compromise bill could be released as early as next week.