The White House says President Donald Trump soon will be making recommendations for improving health care, but one thing he isn't contemplating is a "straight" two-year extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies that were at the center of the recent government shutdown.

Politico reported that Trump had been poised to unveil a health care plan that included a two-year ACA subsidy extension. The White House delayed the health care proposal amid resistance from congressional Republicans, MS NOW reported and CNN reported.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Nov. 25 statement that Trump "is not considering a straight two year subsidy extension."

"The President is having ongoing conversations with members of his administration, members of Congress, and private sector experts," Leavitt added. "He will make recommendations for healthcare policy improvements in the near future.”

The White House's dive into health care policy comes as health insurance premiums are on track to skyrocket at the end of the year if the subsidies are not extended, putting Republicans in Congress in a dilemma to avert a major political liability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The policy fight was at the center of the record-breaking government shutdown that ended earlier this month.

Democrats for weeks demanded an extension of the subsidies, which expire at the end of the year, as part of any legislation to fund the government. Republicans rejected the idea and lawmakers eventually approved a funding bill that didn't extend the subsidies. They remain an explosive political issue.

Republican lawmakers have been split on how to address the subsidies, with some hardline conservatives arguing to let them expire and moderates backing an extension.

About 22 million Americans who get ACA tax credits will see their monthly premium payments more than double on average if the subsidies are not extended, according to KFF, meaning consumers would pay an average of $1,016 more in 2026.

Trump has repeatedly talked about overhauling the Affordable Care Act, the signature law of former President Barack Obama and long a target for repeal among Republicans. Trump advisors and some Senate Republicans have suggested using health savings accounts rather than insurance subsidies.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump not considering 'straight' 2-year extension of ACA subsidies

Reporting by Zac Anderson and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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