3-Year Obamacare Tax Credit Extension Has $80 Billion Price Tag

A three-year extension of enhanced Obamacare premium subsidies would cost the government $80.6 billion between 2026 and 2035, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The estimate dropped Thursday before House lawmakers vote on an extension (H. Res. 780) Thursday. House Republican leaders—including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)—oppose extending the tranche of Covid-era subsidies over their cost and allegations of fraud. A Democratic push to force Thursday’s vote attracted enough Republicans to advance in December.

The number of people with health insurance would increase by 0.1 million in 2026, 3 million in 2027, and 4 million in 2028 under the ...