Scott Simon

What's been the reaction from members of Congress?

Stephen, what can we expect to happen now?

NPR's Stephen Fowler, thanks so much.

Congress left Washington, D.C.

for its holiday break without reaching a deal on health care.

We're joined now by Larry Levitt.

He's Executive Vice President for Health Policy at KFF, the nonpartisan research organization.

Larry, thanks for being with us.

Thanks for having me.

Where do you think stand now for people who use these enhanced premium tax credits to buy insurance?

House Speaker Mike Johnson says the extra tax credits help just a small portion of the American people, 7% of the population.

But that is 22 million people.

How do you see it?

And what's the effect on the health system at large, hospitals, doctors, insurance companies for that matter?

Larry Levitt from KFF, the nonpartisan research organization.

Thanks so much for being with us.

I'm always game.

But the season can be stressful.

You know when you get stuck in a corner with, well, maybe I shouldn't go on.

And that's up first for Saturday, December 20th, 2025.