S. 3385 · 119th Congress · Senate
Lower Health Care Costs Act
Introduced 2025-12-08 · Sponsored by Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY] (D-NY) · Last updated 2026-03-31
Last action (2025-12-11): Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 51 - 48. Record Vote Number: 644. (CR S8654-8655)
Summary
Extends the expanded ACA health insurance subsidies for three more years, through 2028. These subsidies were originally boosted by the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act, and they lower what people pay for marketplace health insurance. Without an extension, millions of Americans would see their premiums jump by hundreds of dollars per month.
The Good
Extends expanded ACA premium tax credits for three more years
Keeps health insurance premiums lower for individuals and families buying coverage on ACA marketplaces by extending the enhanced subsidies through 2028. Without extension, millions would face premium increases averaging hundreds of dollars per month.
Prevents coverage loss during transition
An abrupt end to enhanced subsidies could cause an estimated 3-4 million people to drop coverage. The three-year extension provides time for a longer-term solution while maintaining continuity of insurance for current enrollees.
The Bad
Costs hundreds of billions without permanent structural reform
Extending subsidies is expensive and does not address why health care costs are high in the first place. Critics argue the money subsidizes insurance company premiums rather than reducing the underlying cost of care.
Three-year extension creates the same cliff problem again
Rather than making a permanent decision on subsidies, a temporary extension just postpones the fight. Enrollees face the same uncertainty about future premiums every time expiration approaches.
Vote Record
Senate, 2025-12-11
Cloture on Motion to Proceed
Passed Congress.gov — Senate Roll Call #644
Senate vote by state
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