3 roadblocks for the Senate’s last-ditch health care negotiations

AXIOS November 14, 2025
Stef W. Kight, Peter Sullivan

Millions of Americans have a huge financial stake in the next few weeks of Senate negotiations over the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced tax credits.

Why it matters: Absent a deal, health care coverage costs could double next year for people who rely on ACA exchange plans.

Zoom in: Senators from both parties are cautiously optimistic that a bipartisan deal to extend the subsidies is possible. But there are significant political headwinds.

• Early bipartisan and bicameral negotiations have been ongoing over what to do with the expiring ACA tax credits, which were increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Senate Finance Committee will hold a key hearing on health care costs on Wednesday, setting the stage for a public debate that...

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