Selena Simmons-Duffin

In a press call, senior White House officials explained there is no current bill that accomplishes these goals.

Rather, the administration is calling on Congress to create a new bill.

What this plan would not do is extend the enhanced premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans.

Millions of people's premium costs are double what they were last year.

A bipartisan group of senators is working on a deal to increase subsidies to 2025 levels.

Selina Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says that 22.8 million people have picked an Affordable Care Act plan so far, though that number is not final.

Health policy experts had been expecting many people to drop their insurance because premium costs are double on average what they were last year after enhanced federal subsidies expired at the end of the year.

The 22.8 million number is about 3% lower than last year, not a dramatic drop.

It's the first time enrollment has dropped in five years.

Analysts also warn that the numbers don't reflect who has actually paid for their coverage.

Some people, especially those who auto-renew, may drop their coverage once they get their first invoice.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.

When he found his Affordable Care Act premium would be double what it was last year, Matthew decided he would marry his best friend Christina.

He has a condition that requires medication transfusions, and she has employer-sponsored health benefits.

NPR agreed not to use Matthew's full name because he fears the health insurance company could cut off his coverage.

He says it's an odd situation because he's gay.

He says he liked his ACA plan.

He hopes Congress makes a deal on subsidies for everyone who doesn't have a best friend they can marry.

Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR News, Washington.