(The Epoch Times)—Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said that the Trump administration may look at multiple options for extending health care subsidies that are due to expire soon.
A key issue that kept the government shut down for more than a month was the COVID-19 pandemic-era health care subsidies that will expire at the end of the year. Democrats in Congress had wanted to add an extension to a stopgap bill to fund the government, but did not succeed in that effort.
“The president’s willing to look at all options,” Oz said on Sunday during an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union.” “But we have some major flaws with the way these COVID-era subsidies were added. And just so everyone’s on the same page in this issue, our goal is to get people covered.”
The subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and extended under the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022.
“There are discussions around extending subsidies if we deal with the fraud, waste, and abuse that right now is paralyzing the system,” Oz told CNN. “There are ways of using our money wisely by putting it in the pockets of Americans.”
Oz, a former television personality and talk show host known as Dr. Oz, appeared to be referring to a social media post and comments made by President Donald Trump last week in which Trump suggested sending direct payments to Americans to offset the cost of health insurance.
Speaking to Fox News last week, Trump said that he would call the plan “Trumpcare” as an alternative to Obamacare, a term that is commonly used to describe the ACA. The money, he said, could be distributed to people’s bank accounts to be used to purchase their own health insurance.
“The insurance will be better. It’ll cost less. Everybody’s going to be happy. They’re going to feel like entrepreneurs,” he told Fox News host Laura Ingraham. “They’re actually able to go out and negotiate their own insurance.”
Earlier this year, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that extending the ACA subsidies due to expire soon would cost roughly $35 billion per year. But allowing them to expire would lead to around 4 million more people not having health insurance by 2034, the CBO added.
“I promise you the president is laser focused on this,” Oz said of the health care talks. “It’s the main thing I talk with him about. Congress as well is all over this. We have got to find solutions that don’t just work at the end of this year but work for years to come.”
On Nov. 12, Trump signed a government funding bill that ended a record 43-day shutdown. The signing ceremony came just hours after the House passed the Senate measure on a mostly party-line vote of 222–209.
If Congress doesn’t take any other action on health care costs this year, the enhanced premium tax credits that have helped many Americans pay for Obamacare health insurance plans for four years will disappear. On average, that will more than double what subsidized enrollees currently pay for premiums, according to an analysis by health care research nonprofit KFF.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.