Trump says he may veto extension of Obamacare subsidies

FILE PHOTO: A sign on an insurance store advertises Obamacare in San Ysidro, San Diego, California, US, Oct 26, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he might veto legislation to extend federal health insurance subsidies, injecting fresh uncertainty into a debate that has pitted congressional Republicans against Democrats and threatened to raise premiums for millions of Americans.

Expiration of the health insurance tax breaks at the end of 2025 left millions of Americans facing significant price hikes for coverage.

The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives on Thursday passed the Democratic-backed legislation that would restore the subsidies to the Affordable Care Act, with 17 Republicans joining Democrats.

The Senate, which is also controlled by Republicans, has already rejected a similar bill, but House passage could spur a compromise.

Americans have until Jan 15 to enrol in ACA coverage for this year, although the Trump administration could extend that deadline.