President Trump has told congressional leaders that he may end a key subsidy to insurance companies that helps them offset some costs to low- and middle-income consumers who can't rely on insurance from their employers or government programs like Medicare or Medicaid. Known as cost-sharing reduction (CSR) subsidies, they help pay for lower deductibles and out-of-pocket payments based on income levels.  If Congress were to end the subsidies, insurance companies would still have to pay them but would probably have to increase premiums to avoid losing money. Politico: Trump told aides in a Tuesday Oval Office meeting that he wants to end the payments to insurers because he doesn't gain anything by continuing them, according to a senior White House adviser. "Why the hell would we?" he asked about continuing the payments, according to the adviser. Trump added that if Congress wants the subsidies, lawmakers would find a way to pay for them, the...(Read Full Post)