Center for a Free Economy’s Ryan Ellis on Why COVID-era Obamacare Subsidies Should Remain Expired — Health Policy Podcast

Ryan Ellis, President of the Center for a Free Economy, discusses the expiration of COVID-era Obamacare subsidies and their implications for healthcare regulation, welfare reform, and government spending in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. Ellis argues that these subsidies should remain expired to prevent further financial strain on taxpayers.

WASHINGTON — May 25, 2026 — Ryan Ellis, President of the Center for a Free Economy, appeared on the Health Policy Podcast to discuss the implications of the expired COVID-era Obamacare subsidies. He addressed the need for healthcare regulation reform, the significance of welfare reform, and the impact of government spending on the economy.

Ellis emphasized that the COVID-era subsidies, which expired at the end of last year, were unnecessary and costly. "The COVID era Obamacare subsidies expired at the end of last year, and they should remain expired," he said. He noted that the existing Obamacare system is already heavily subsidized for those who need it, and extending these additional subsidies would only add to the national debt without addressing the core issues of the healthcare system.

The discussion also highlighted the detrimental effects of Obamacare on insurance premiums and competition in the healthcare market. Ellis stated, "Obamacare made a lot of those products either illegal or functionally illegal, causing insurance premiums to go up and up every year." He argued that without deregulation, true competition in the healthcare market is unattainable, limiting innovation and affordability for consumers.

The Center for a Free Economy is a conservative 501(c)(4) organization focused on federal tax, spending, and regulatory issues that affect American citizens. The organization advocates for policies that promote economic freedom and accountability in government programs.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast provides insights and discussions on healthcare policy, economic growth, and regulatory issues. The show features expert guests and explores the intersection of health policy with broader economic and infrastructure challenges.