Ohio’s Moreno and Husted Shape National Debate as ACA Subsidies Near Expiration

From Laura Strietmann, Executive Director, Cincinnati Right to Life

The Senate is preparing for a  high-stakes vote  Thursday on the fate of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of the year. The debate over how—or whether—to extend these subsidies was a major factor in the 43-day government shutdown that ended November 13. Now, the issue is back at the center of national attention, and Ohio leaders are playing a significant role.

Both  Sen. Bernie Moreno  and  Sen .  Jon Husted  have entered the discussion with competing proposals, showing how influential Ohio has become in shaping the next steps for federal healthcare policy. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) announced Tuesday that the Senate will vote on a plan to shift from expiring ACA subsidies to federally supported Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) designed to help Americans cover out-of-pocket expenses.

A major point of contention remains the inclusion of Hyde Amendment protections, long-standing safeguards ensuring federal funds do not subsidize abortion. For pro-life Americans, including Cincinnati Right to Life, these protections are essential in any healthcare agreement.

Since its first passage in 1976, the Hyde Amendment has been routinely reaffirmed to prevent federal dollars from funding abortion. Its future has now become a political flashpoint at the center of the healthcare debate.

Ohio’s Competing Proposals

The Collins–Moreno Plan, introduced Monday by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Moreno, would extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits for two more years. It would also end subsidies for households earning over $200,000 annually and require lower-income Americans to contribute a minimum $25 monthly premium. However, the proposal does not directly include Hyde protections—raising concerns among pro-life advocates.

The Husted Plan, by contrast, explicitly maintains Hyde safeguards within any new subsidy or HSA structure, ensuring taxpayer dollars are not connected to abortion-covering insurance plans. This approach has drawn strong interest from pro-life lawmakers who view Hyde language as non-negotiable.

What Comes Next

Thursday’s vote will help determine whether Congress extends subsidies temporarily, shifts toward HSAs, or adopts a hybrid approach. With just weeks left in the year, lawmakers face intense pressure to resolve the issue while upholding the moral and fiscal commitments central to the pro-life movement.

In addition to the proposals offered by Ohio’s Moreno and Husted, Senate GOP leadership is signaling where most Republicans may ultimately land. Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that the expanded ACA tax credits championed by Democrats are “a failed program,” arguing that they inflate premiums and ultimately benefit insurance companies rather than families.

Thune said the  majority of Senate Republicans now back the Crapo–Cassidy  plan, which he described as focused on patients, not insurance companies, reducing premiums, and ensuring federal dollars are used responsibly. “The proposal that we will put out there will bring insurance premiums down, it will be fiscally responsible, and it will get us away from the practice of giving the money all to the insurance companies and put it back in the hands of the patients,” Thune said.

The plan currently appears to have broad GOP support, SBA Pro-Life America has indicated it has no concerns that the Crapo–Cassidy framework would allow abortion funding—an important point of clarity as pro-life Americans evaluate the options before the Senate.

Cincinnati Right to Life will continue monitoring developments as Ohio’s leaders play pivotal roles in shaping a policy that protects both mothers and their children before birth.

Your Voice Matters

Please consider contacting Senator Bernie Moreno and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to emphasize how important it is that Hyde Amendment protections be included in any legislation moving forward regarding the Obamacare exchange. Ensuring that federal funds are never used to subsidize abortion is a principle that must remain at the center of all healthcare negotiations.

Call Senator Moreno:
(202) 224-3121
Email  HERE

Call Senator Husted:
(202) 224-3353
Email  HERE

Your Message (feel free to copy/paste):

As an Ohio voter, I urge you to ensure that Hyde Amendment protections are included in any final plan addressing the expiring Obamacare subsidies. No federal healthcare funding should support abortion. Please stand firm for life in all negotiations.

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