Gridlock on insurance needs middle ground

Millions of Americans, including thousands in Idaho, will see dramatic rises in health insurance costs in 2026 if the U.S. Senate's rejection of legislation Thursday to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits stands.

We hope a middle ground can be found so that doesn't happen.

We know costs are rising. We know the government can't continue to indefinitely foot the bill so people can afford insurance. The subsidies at some point must end or be reduced. We know something must be done to eliminate waste and improve efficiency. America can't continue to ignore its debt (the last time we checked it was about $38 trillion) and it can't continue to spend like it doesn't matter. It matters today and it will matter even more tomorrow.

But we also know we don't want to see those who can least afford it faced with much higher insurance costs. There are locals who may see the price of their monthly insurance premium double and even triple. For some, it would mean not having money for the basics like housing, food and transportation. Or it could mean going into debt to maintain health insurance. Some will simply not be able to afford insurance and will have to go without it, which is always a risky situation. We don't want to see people uninsured when it comes to health, but that is the road many are on.

We wish it had not come to this. Lawmakers have long been aware the COVID-era subsidies were set to expire and the public should have been aware of this, too. This should not come as a surprise. As stated, the government subsidies that kept insurance costs low had to end at some point. But to end with no other option at this point could mean disaster for many, and no one wants that to happen.

Democrats have been after an extension of what is known as Obamacare, while Republicans would rather try other solutions, such as health savings accounts. Both have good arguments their method is the answer. But this should not be about winning or losing.

There was time for Democrats and Republicans to come together and find a solution, even a temporary one, long before the year's end. There still is. Some have suggested a short-term extension along with reforms that encourage competition and reduce costs over time. Seems like a good starting point that could gain support from both sides.

Health care is an essential Americans should have. Our lawmakers know this. They are smart people. We are confident they will not let this end badly for millions of Americans.