House narrowly passes health care bill as GOP moderates revolt — and Senate death looms

The House voted Wednesday to pass a health care measure that sidesteps the impending expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, effectively allowing them to disappear by year's end.

Speaker Mike Johnson's narrow victory — the House voted 216-211 — came amid significant turmoil within Republican ranks, as moderate members staged an open rebellion throughout the day, Politico reported.

However, the report noted the House bill faces certain death in the Senate and does little to resolve the deepening Republican divide on the expiring subsidies, which stand to send millions of Americans' premiums soaring. Party members plan continued negotiations into next year.

Research from KFF projects that average premium payments could surge by about $1,000 a year if enhanced credits lapse.

The legislation expands small business health plan options, targets pharmacy benefit managers, and establishes alternative subsidies for out-of-pocket costs, according to the report. Johnson ultimately refused to allow a floor amendment on extended credits. In response, four House Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition, forcing a January vote on a three-year subsidy extension.