Other members said they were originally skeptical when told of the idea to extend ObamaCare subsidies but warmed to it once they learned Johnson’s plan would also repeal the individual and employer mandates, which they say gives people more freedom. 

“When it was first presented to me, the person from the press that presented it to me said [Johnson] just wanted to extend the subsidies, and if that were the only case, no way would I support that,” said Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.). However, Salmon noted the plan also repeals the mandates and said, “Anything that would get rid of fundamental parts of ObamaCare will ultimately lead to its demise.” 
The American Academy of Actuaries warned last week that removing the mandates could cause premiums to skyrocket, because sicker people would be more likely to be insured.

“I think the initial headlines of Sen. Johnson’s bill gave people a little caution,” said Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.). “However, when you look at the fact that the employer and individual mandates go away, what does that do? And so I think it’s trying to take his concept and say, ‘Alright what is the end of result of that?’ We debated that for about 30 minutes.”