WASHINGTON — The Trump administration and House Republicans on Monday asked a federal appeals court for an extension in a case affecting health insurance for millions of consumers.

The case involves federal payments insurers use to lower deductibles and copayments for people with modest incomes who purchase policies under the Affordable Care Act. About $7 billion is at stake this year in the lawsuit, originally filed by House Republicans.

Insurers are trying to finalize their proposed premiums for 2018. BlueCross BlueShield insurer Anthem, which covers more than 1 million people in the ACA marketplaces, has told the government it needs to know for sure by June.

“In merely delaying their suit, Republicans cynically continue to sow uncertainty in the health coverage of millions of Americans,” House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said in a statement.

“The parties continue to discuss measures that would obviate the need for judicial determination of this appeal, including potential legislative action,” the court filing said. Such requests for extensions are usually routinely granted.

The case is on appeal after a lower court ruled that the government lacks constitutional authority to make the payments because Congress failed to specifically approve them in the Obama-era health overhaul legislation. Democrats argue that conclusion is based on a faulty reading of the law.

Both administrations have kept making monthly payments while the case is pending.