The Senate is departing for Thanksgiving recess without reaching a bipartisan agreement on expiring Obamacare subsidies, yet recent discussions have provided more clarity regarding a potential year-end health care deal. After a week of intensive talks across the Capitol, a few key developments have emerged. First, Sen. Bill Cassidy’s proposal to replace ACA subsidies with health savings accounts has been firmly rejected by Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated his party’s preference for an extension of the Affordable Care Act credits, dismissing Cassidy’s plan as a shift towards privatizing health, insurance. Health experts warn that this plan may not effectively mitigate the risk of skyrocketing premiums. Additionally, several Republicans have come to the conclusion that major health care reforms might be too late for a December 31 deadline, which could embolden Democrats seeking a standalone extension of the subsidies. However, it also provides an opportunity for conservative factions to explore party-line reconciliation measures. On a positive note, Senate Finance Chair Mike Crapo and Ranking Member Ron Wyden are nearing a bipartisan proposal to regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), a priority for the committee, which they plan to unveil soon. This potential agreement could be introduced as a standalone measure or attached to a must-pass legislative vehicle next year.