After the Senate votes, millions who depend on the marketplace could see their premiums jump in January.

HOUSTON — Millions of Americans who receive healthcare through the Affordable Care Act are facing the possibility of higher premiums starting in January after the Senate failed to pass two competing proposals to extend cost-lowering subsidies. With the current subsidies set to expire at the end of December, lawmakers have just weeks to reach a solution before ACA enrollees could see significant premium increases.

On Capitol Hill, Democrats and Republicans put forward two different plans to keep healthcare costs from rising for ACA enrollees. The Democratic proposal would have extended the current subsidies, which help lower monthly premiums, for another three years. The Republican plan would have shifted that money into health savings accounts, giving consumers more direct control but not necessarily lowering premiums.

In back-to-back votes, both plans failed to get the 60 votes needed to move forward. Without a new deal, those subsidies expire at the end of December, meaning millions of Americans could see premium increases in January.

For Houston residents, the failed votes have left many confused and worried about what their premiums could look like come January. The debate in Washington is more than just political for families who depend on the ACA for their healthcare coverage.

Larry Gordon, whose mother is battling breast cancer and relies on the ACA for her treatments, expressed concern about the financial burden.

“She’s constantly having to keep doing all these different treatments and it’s draining her dry,” he said. “She just retired so she doesn’t have that type of money to continue to pay those high prices, so it’s got me worried.”

A Houston woman who previously relied on the ACA after losing her job shared how crucial the program was during that time.

“Getting laid off and not having access to health insurance anymore, I was incredibly worried. But at that moment I was able to at least get that affordable healthcare to carry me over just in case.”

While some Houston residents expressed opposition to the ACA and would prefer to see it eliminated, everyone agreed that Washington needs to make a decision soon.

There remains hope in the Senate that a deal can still get done, even if it’s one that just kicks the can down the road. The House will also take a look next week, with Speaker Mike Johnson promising a vote.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.