Sen. John Thune (R‑S.D.) criticized Democrats’ proposal to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, warning it would cost taxpayers $83 billion while failing to reduce insurance premiums. Thune said ACA marketplace premiums have risen 129 percent since 2014 and argued the subsidies, which no longer have income caps, benefit even high‑income households.
Citing a Government Accountability Office audit that found widespread fraud in test enrollments, Thune described the program as “rife with waste, fraud, and abuse.” He said the structure incentivizes insurers to auto‑enroll individuals to secure federal payments.
Thune promoted a Republican alternative focused on expanding health savings accounts and lowering premiums. He said the plan would cut costs by 10 to 11 percent nationwide, save taxpayers $30 billion, and reduce average family premiums in South Dakota by about $900.
The Senate is expected to vote on the Democratic extension this week.
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