The pandemic-era “premium subsidies” for Obamacare are set to expire Dec. 31, resulting in higher health insurance premiums for enrollees across all income levels.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to put a vote to the floor, but there remains the possibility that some breakaway Republicans side with Democrats to extend the subsidies. With looming midterm elections in 2026, many elected Republicans are trying to navigate this political turbulence, with some being open to an extension. 

The Affordable Care Act is a bad policy that the government is subsidizing to keep afloat. If you can’t say no now, what is the point of winning elections? Republican legislators should say no to extending the Affordable Care Act’s premium subsidies and offer up a better plan.

The Affordable Care Act has a fundamental flaw. It mandates that insurance companies cannot charge more for preexisting conditions. The result is that a relatively few costly patients drive up the cost of all ACA-compliant health plans.

To hide these costs, Obamacare includes subsidies. This doesn’t actually save........

© USA TODAY