President Trump backs a GOP plan to give Americans up to $1,500 a year for health expenses, calling it a “patient-centered” alternative to Obamacare.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A new Republican health care proposal is drawing attention from both sides of the aisle,  and President Donald Trump says he’s on board with the core idea.

The Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, sponsored by Sens. Mike Crapo (Idaho) and Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), would provide annual federal deposits of up to $1,500 into Americans’ health savings accounts (HSAs). 

Supporters say it’s a “patient-centered” alternative to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire at the end of this month.

Under the bill, individuals ages 18 to 49 would receive $1,000 each year, while those ages 50 to 64 would get $1,500. 

To qualify, people must enroll in a bronze or catastrophic ACA plan and earn up to 700 percent of the federal poverty level — about $109,550 for an individual or $225,050 for a family of four in 2025.

The funds could be used for qualified medical expenses, including deductibles, copays, and prescriptions, but not monthly insurance premiums, abortion, or gender transition services. Other restrictions include elective cosmetic surgery and most over-the-counter supplements.

President Trump’s support focuses on sending money “directly to the American people rather than to insurance companies,” as he told reporters. “I like the concept.” Trump also blasted insurers for “ripping off the public for years.”

The HSA deposits would cover the years 2026 and 2027. Proponents argue that giving patients direct control will foster competition and lower insurance costs. 

Critics, however, point out that the average deductible for a bronze plan is projected to be $7,476 in 2026, so the deposit would cover only a fraction of out-of-pocket costs for people with chronic illnesses or major health needs. They warn that this could leave many facing large medical bills.

A Senate vote is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, but the bill is not expected to get the 60 votes needed to pass. Lawmakers will also vote on a Democratic plan to extend the ACA’s enhanced tax credits for another three years.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.