WASHINGTON — (AP) House Republicans have pushed through a bill that seeks to ensure people in the country illegally cannot get tax credits to pay their health insurance premiums.
The bill requires agencies to verify an applicant’s Social Security number before the Treasury Department pays the tax credit to a health insurer.
The Verify First Act passed 238-184.
President Donald Trump supports the bill, with the White House saying it “stems the flow of payments to ineligible individuals under Obamacare.” Republicans also call the bill another step in repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.
Democratic lawmakers largely opposed the bill, arguing that not all individuals can obtain a Social Security number that can be verified at application time, including some lawfully present immigrants. They say gaps in coverage would result.
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