House urges Congress to preserve expanded ACA subsidies that undergird Pennsylvania marketplace

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House adopted a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to preserve expanded premium tax credits that make coverage affordable on the state health exchange known in testimony as "Penny." The resolution passed on the floor with an announced vote of ayes 123 and nays 80.

Representative Bellman, who introduced the resolution, warned that if Congress allows the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act expansions to expire, many Pennsylvanians who buy coverage through the state marketplace could face sharp premium increases or lose assistance entirely. "If Congress fails to act before the end of the year, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who buy health care through Penny will face massive premium increases or lose assistance entirely," Bellman said.

Bellman cited enrollment data from the exchange showing nearly 500,000 enrolled during 2025 open enrollment and an assertion that roughly four out of five enrollees receive financial assistance. He also cited state estimates that up to 150,000 Pennsylvanians could lose coverage and that the total loss in premium tax credits could exceed $1,250,000,000 annually if credits expire.

Representatives Schaeffer and Gaydos both spoke in support of urging Congress to act; members pressed for bipartisan federal action and some suggested longer‑term fixes beyond temporary subsidies.

The nonbinding resolution communicates the legislature’s position to the federal delegation and underscores state concern about coverage and affordability in the absence of congressional action.