Politico January 15, 2026
While Republicans believe the plans encourage fraud, Democrats worry that raising premiums will prompt lower-income enrollees to drop coverage.
Abortion restrictions may be the top sticking point in negotiations between Democrats and Republicans over a bill that would give enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies – which expired Dec. 31 – new life this year.
But there’s another obstacle close behind: no-premium plans that make coverage more affordable for the lowest-income customers.
Republicans argue that plans requiring no premium – referred to as “zero-dollar premiums” – invite fraud because they make it easier for unscrupulous brokers to sign people up without their knowledge, creating what are known as “phantom enrollees.”
Democrats are pushing back, expressing concern that lower-income people will drop coverage...
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