Senate Talks on Health Care Bill Stall While Appropriations Negotiation Continue
by ACOI
January 20, 2026
Following bipartisan House passage January 8 of a three-year extension of expired Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs), the Senate was expected to announce a bipartisan deal to address health care costs. However, Senators have tabled the effort to focus on finishing negotiations on the nine outstanding annual appropriations bills to avoid a partial government shutdown when the current federal continuing resolution expires on January 30.
In related news, on January 15 President Trump released his “Great Healthcare Plan.” While short on details, the plan targets insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Key components of the plan include:
- Lowering prescription drug prices
- Lowering insurance premiums
- Holding health insurance companies accountable
- Maximizing price transparency