The remarks came from Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. When asked if the payments would be included, he said, “I think that’s likely to happen,” according to the report.
Mr. Cornyn also addressed a bill drafted by Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., which would fund cost-sharing reduction payments for two years while also providing states more flexibility with innovation waivers. According to The Hill, Mr. Cornyn said the bill “has merit” and “probably makes more sense” when put with a repeal of the ACA’s individual mandate.
It remains unclear whether the subsidy payments to insurers will ultimately make it into a finalized funding bill. According to the report, lawmakers must pass an end-of-year funding bill by Dec. 8 to avoid a government shutdown.
Leo Vartorella contributed to this report.
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