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Congress·Passed House·2 months ago

House Passes Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act to Cut Costs for Small Businesses

Also known as: Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
✓ Review
✓ House

216–211

Senate
President

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • Small businesses and self-employed people could join together to buy health insurance as one large group. This gives them the same bargaining power as big companies to get lower monthly premiums. These plans are required to protect people with pre-existing conditions and cannot charge people more based on their health history.
  • Employers would have a clear way to give workers tax-free money to buy their own health insurance on the open market. This allows employees to pick the specific plan that fits their family's needs and keep their doctors, rather than being limited to the one plan their boss chooses.
  • The policy requires the 'middlemen' who handle prescription drugs to be more transparent about their costs. These companies would have to report exactly how much they receive in rebates and fees from drug makers every six months. This is intended to ensure that savings are passed on to employers and workers instead of being kept as profit.
  • Starting in 2027, the government would provide steady funding to help lower-income families pay for out-of-pocket medical costs like deductibles and copays. This money would be restricted so it cannot be used for insurance plans that cover abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.
  • The Labor Department would be given the power to fine companies up to $10,000 a day if they refuse to share required information about drug pricing. This is meant to make sure insurance companies and drug middlemen follow the new transparency rules.
HealthcareLabor EmploymentEconomy Finance

Milestones

2 milestones16 actions
Dec 18, 2025Senate

Received in the Senate.

Dec 17, 2025House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Dec 17, 2025House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 349). (text: CR H5956-5966)

Dec 17, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 216 - 211 (Roll no. 349).

Dec 17, 2025House

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 210 - 218 (Roll no. 348).

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2026-01-01

New CHOICE health reimbursement arrangements become available for plan years starting after December 31, 2025

Employers can start offering workers tax-free money to buy their own individual health insurance plans, giving employees more choice in picking coverage that works for their family.

2027-01-01

Cost-sharing reduction payments begin flowing to ACA marketplace plans (with abortion coverage restrictions)

Lower-income families buying marketplace insurance could see reduced out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copays, potentially stabilizing premiums for all marketplace enrollees.

Vote Results

2 votes
HouseFailedAmendmentDec 17, 2025

On Motion to Recommit

210
218
Democrat
210 – 0 · 3
Republican
0 – 218 · 2
View full roll call
HousePassedPassageDec 17, 2025

On Passage

216
211
Democrat
0 – 210 · 3
Republican
216 – 1 · 3
View full roll call

Related News

2 articles
The Fiscal Times·3 months ago

Republican Deal for Vote on Obamacare Subsidies Hits a Snag

The 111-page bill would expand association health plans, fund cost-sharing reduction payments starting in 2027, and require transparency from PBMs. It also codifies rules allowing employers to give tax-free money to workers to buy their own coverage via CHOICE arrangements.

CR=
HealthExec·3 months ago

House GOP slaps down ACA subsidies as 'Lower Health Care Premiums Act' moves to Senate

The act contains reforms including new reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and a cost-sharing program. A core feature is support for association health plans, allowing small businesses and individuals to band together to negotiate lower group rates.

C=

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act

Bill NumberHR 6703
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReceived in the Senate.

Sponsor

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.