US House Republicans have unveiled a long-awaited plan to replace the signature health care law of former US President Barack Obama.
The proposed legislation would repeal penalties for those who do not buy health insurancem, reports BBC.
It would also replace income-based subsidies to help with the cost of premiums with age-based tax credits.
Democrats immediately criticised the plan, saying it would drive up the costs of health care.
<>pThe Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, helped 20m previously uninsured Americans get health insurance.However increases in insurance premiums have irked many Americans.
The plan from Republicans in the US House of Representatives would reduce the role of the federal government in helping Americans afford healthcare.
“Today marks an important step toward restoring health care choices and affordability back to the American people,” the White House said in a statement.
President Donald Trump looked forward to working with Congress to repeal and replace the law, it said.
The president has described Obamacare, which was passed in 2010 and is seen as Mr Obama's signature domestic policy achievement, as “a disaster”.
The plan is expected to cover fewer people than those who gained insurance under Mr Obama.
The proposal unveiled on Monday would preserve some popular elements of the existing law, including allowing young people to remain on their parents' insurance plans until the age of 26.
Insurers would also remain banned from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. While penalties for those who don't buy health insurance would be scrapped, those who let their coverage lapse could see their premiums raised by 30% by insurers.
House Speaker Paul Ryan said the bill would “drive down costs, encourage competition, and give every American access to quality, affordable health insurance”.
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