UPDATE: In a stunning move, Ohio Republicans Max Miller, Dave Joyce, and Mike Carey have defied party leadership by voting with Democrats to extend tax credits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The House of Representatives passed the measure 230-196 on January 8, 2026, as negotiations in the Senate heat up over health care reforms.
This development comes amid urgent discussions about the future of health care access for millions of Americans. With nearly 45,000 individuals in Carey’s district relying on these subsidies, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Without this extension, an estimated 500,000 Ohioans could face skyrocketing premium costs, prompting swift action from lawmakers concerned about their constituents’ welfare.
Miller, a Republican from Bay Village, expressed his rationale for supporting the extension: “Obamacare has failed, but pulling the rug out from under Ohio families without an alternative would be irresponsible.” His comments highlight the deep divisions within the Republican Party regarding health care policy.
Joyce, representing South Russell, underscored a similar sentiment, stating that while the current system is flawed, it is vital to provide immediate relief. He echoed former President Trump’s call for the party to take ownership of health care issues, recognizing the urgent need for discussion around sustainability and affordability.
The legislation, although passed in the House, faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where it lacks the 60 votes required to overcome a filibuster. Yet, a bipartisan group of senators, led by Westlake’s Bernie Moreno, is working on a compromise. They aim to blend a shorter extension with necessary policy reforms. Moreno indicated that draft legislation could be ready as soon as next week.
The temporary subsidies, which expired on December 31, were initially introduced as pandemic relief and played a crucial role in helping millions afford health insurance. The expiration has raised alarms about potential premium increases nationwide, particularly in Ohio.
House Republican leaders have framed their opposition around costs and fraud allegations, with Rep. Jason Smith of Missouri asserting that the measure represents “$100 billion worth of bailouts for a broken system.” He emphasized that the focus should be on the 93% of Americans who do not rely on ACA marketplace plans.
Democrats have countered, pointing to the significant drop in uninsured rates due to the ACA, which now stands at just 6% nationally. Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts warned that without extending these credits, families would see their monthly premiums nearly double.
The vote marks a significant procedural loss for Speaker Mike Johnson, who sought to block the measure from reaching the floor. A rare discharge petition enabled the vote, revealing deep frustrations among lawmakers who feel leadership is obstructing popular measures.
As discussions continue in the Senate, the outcome remains uncertain. Moreno’s bipartisan group is considering additional reforms, including income caps on subsidies and provisions to ensure federal funds do not subsidize abortion coverage—a contentious issue that could derail negotiations.
The urgency of this legislative action cannot be overstated. With health care costs soaring and millions of Americans at risk of losing access to affordable insurance, all eyes are on Congress. What happens next could shape the landscape of health care access for years to come.
