The Republican plan would have replaced the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare) subsidies with new savings accounts, while Democrats wanted to extend the enhanced ACA tax credits for three years without changes. Both lacked the bipartisan support needed to pass, and both sides blamed each other for failing to find common ground.

WASHINGTON—A Democratic effort to extend expiring healthcare subsidies drew some Republican votes but failed Thursday to advance in the Senate, and a GOP approach also failed, leaving no clear path in Congress for aiding millions of Americans facing soaring Affordable Care Act insurance costs next year.

Two bills failed to secure the necessary 60 votes to break a filibuster and advance Thursday. Congress has no deal ahead of a Dec. 31 deadline to avoid premium hikes under Obamacare.

As part of a handshake agreement to end the shutdown, Republicans in the Senate allowed an up-or-down vote on extending the ACA tax credits. The bill received majority support — 51 senators (including four Republicans) backed the legislation, against 48 who opposed — but the filibuster blocked its advancement.

With ACA subsidies expiring December 31, Ohio's congressional delegation is deeply divided along party lines on extending the credits, leaving families uncertain about their 2026 healthcare costs.