Sen. Roger Marshall Proposes 'Marshall Plan' to Reform Obamacare Subsidies
Senator Roger Marshall has introduced the 'Marshall Plan,' a proposal to extend Obamacare subsidies for one year before gradually converting them into health savings accounts (HSAs). The plan aims to bridge Democratic desires to extend subsidies with the Republican push to shift funding into HSAs, which former President Donald Trump endorses.
The proposal includes several additional features: a $5 minimum monthly premium, a government-issued identification requirement to reduce fraud, and strict enforcement of the Hyde Amendment restricting abortion funding. It would bar coverage of gender-transition procedures on the Obamacare exchange and permanently fund cost-sharing reduction payments, activities estimated to save about $30 billion and reduce premiums by roughly 11%.
The one-year subsidy extension would phase out over time through 2032, with a 20% annual reduction in enhanced premium credits. Senator Marshall describes his plan as a bipartisan starting point. Senate Republicans are expected to discuss the measure in a closed-door meeting, though Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has been identified as a significant obstacle. A vote on extending subsidies was scheduled for Thursday.
Marshall argues the plan would impact all Americans by promoting consumer-driven health care, not just the approximately 24 million individuals enrolled in Obamacare.
