美参议院否决两项医保法案 奥巴马医改补贴或于年底到期

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Senate rejected two opposing healthcare bills, which means that the subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) enjoyed by over 20 million Americans are set to expire at the end of the year [1][4]. Group 1: Senate Voting Outcomes - The Senate voted 51-48 to advance a Republican healthcare plan aimed at expanding health savings accounts to replace the soon-to-expire tax credits [4]. - The Democratic proposal to extend the subsidies for three years also failed with a 51-48 vote, both proposals lacking the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles [4][5]. Group 2: Political Dynamics - The voting largely followed party lines, with only one Republican, Rand Paul, opposing his party's proposal, while several Republicans supported the Democratic plan [5]. - The votes were seen more as political statements rather than efforts to reach a bipartisan compromise, as acknowledged by Senate leaders [2][5]. Group 3: Implications of Subsidy Expiration - If no agreement is reached, the expiration of subsidies could lead to significant premium increases for many families, potentially rising by $1,000 or more annually [6]. - The Senate's ability to reach an agreement was viewed as a critical opportunity to prevent the expiration of subsidies and avoid premium hikes for those purchasing insurance through the ACA exchanges [6]. Group 4: House of Representatives Situation - The House is also experiencing partisan divisions, with no plans for a vote on subsidy extensions before the upcoming recess [3][6]. - Democratic leaders in the House align with their Senate counterparts in seeking a three-year extension of the tax credits, while two bipartisan proposals to shorten the extension period are stalled [3][6]. Group 5: Future Negotiations - Senate leaders expressed skepticism about reaching a last-minute bipartisan agreement, with the Senate expected to recess until January [6]. - Ongoing negotiations face multiple political disputes, including contentious issues surrounding abortion restrictions [6][7].