17 Republicans help pass 3-year extension for Affordable Care Act subsidies

WASHINGTON D.C. (CBS 58) -- In a blow to the House Speaker Mike Johnson, a handful of GOP lawmakers are joining Democrats to address health care costs.

Around 17 Republicans in the house helped to pass a three-year extension for Affordable Care Act subsidies. 

Those expired at the start of the year, helping to fuel a massive spike to the average health care premium. 

But it faces an uphill battle in the Senate. 

"Are you willing to put this bill that the House now is moving forward on, on the floor of the Senate, because it will pass," said Sen. Chuck Schumer. "And that is the way to get this done."

A different bi-partisan proposal is expected to be unveiled sometime next week, just before the deadline to apply for Medicare.

That's coming up this Thursday. 

If you still need to apply you can click the link here.