President Donald Trump’s new health care plan has not yet been officially released, but it is already facing opposition from his own party.
The White House delayed the plan on Monday after strong criticism from Republican lawmakers, sources familiar with the matter said. The proposal aimed to prevent a spike in Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums, but many Republicans said they only learned about it after leaks to the press.
Conservative critics were especially unhappy about the plan’s inclusion of enhanced ACA subsidies set to expire at the end of the year. Some viewed it as a move that would expand Obamacare, a point of contention within the GOP.
The quick backlash raises doubts about whether Republicans can unite behind a plan to address rising health costs. Congress faces pressure to find a bipartisan solution before enhanced ACA subsidies expire. More than 22 million Americans benefit from these subsidies and could see higher premiums if funding ends.
The White House developed a tentative plan in recent weeks. It proposed a two-year extension of enhanced ACA subsidies with new limits, including an income cap and a requirement for all enrollees to make a minimum monthly payment. The plan also encouraged people to choose lower-tier ACA plans by letting them redirect some federal aid into health savings accounts.
The administration also floated other conservative priorities, such as more health plan options outside ACA exchanges and new restrictions on federal funds for gender-affirming care and undocumented immigrants’ health coverage.
Despite these details, the plan met immediate resistance from many Republicans. Lawmakers were blindsided, learning of the proposal mostly through social media. House Republicans, wary of anything resembling Obamacare, were skeptical. Some conservatives also said the plan seemed to contradict prior White House statements that funding would go directly to individuals.
A White House official said the plan had not been finalized and warned that reports were speculation until President Trump makes an announcement. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that the president remains focused on unveiling a proposal that reduces costs for consumers.
The mixed reactions show how difficult it will be for the White House to gain GOP support, let alone secure Democratic backing to pass a plan before the year ends. Some Democrats offered cautious praise, suggesting that a good-faith effort could create bipartisan support. However, most congressional Democrats rejected the plan, insisting on a simple extension of ACA subsidies.
Within the Trump circle, allies say the Republican divisions highlight the challenge of passing a plan that satisfies lawmakers and voters alike. Experts warn that the GOP may struggle to overhaul the ACA, noting that any Republican plan often triggers strong Democratic opposition.
Still, Trump remains focused on a health care deal that has eluded him for years. Advisers say the president sees the urgency, as voters grow increasingly concerned about affordability. The administration hopes that a plan providing more choices and lower costs could strengthen Republican messaging ahead of the midterm elections.
“The president understands this,” said a White House adviser. “If we can offer people more options and make health care more affordable, that will be a strong message heading into the midterms.”
