Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As Senators Write Health Overhaul Behind Closed Doors, Health Groups Fight To Get Access
The Hill: Health Groups Band Together To Highlight Concerns With House Obamacare Repeal
Eight influential healthcare and consumer advocate groups are partnering to ... highlight concerns about the House-passed ObamaCare repeal-and-replace bill. As the Senate works to dismantle ObamaCare, the groups plan to host events in four states — Ohio, Colorado, Nevada and West Virginia — aimed at showcasing the need for affordable and adequate healthcare. The first event will take place on Thursday in Cleveland. (Roubein, 6/13)
The Hill: Health Groups Want Their Say On Senate Republicans’ Plan
Healthcare groups are decrying Republican senators for closing their doors to the public as they write legislation repealing and replacing ObamaCare. Senate Republicans are not holding public hearings or committee markups for their bill, a major departure from the traditional lawmaking process. Healthcare groups fear the final product will be released just a couple of days before the vote, minimizing time for feedback or for opposition to build. (Sullivan, 6/12)
The Hill: Conservative Groups Ask Senate To Repeal ObamaCare Taxes
Conservative groups are demanding the Senate repeal all ObamaCare taxes in its healthcare reform bill. In a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), 45 groups, led by Americans for Tax Reform, called on the Senate to repeal nearly 20 taxes created under ObamaCare. ... Some GOP senators have expressed support for keeping some ObamaCare taxes to pay for their new healthcare bill as they negotiate a plan they will eventually merge with the House-passed measure. (Hellmann, 6/12)
The Hill: AARP Targets Six More GOP Senators With Seven-Figure Ad Buy
AARP is ramping up pressure on senators to vote against provisions in the House-passed ObamaCare repeal-and-replace bill that the influential lobbying group says would hurt older adults. It's launching another seven-figure television ad buy that will run as long as the Senate healthcare reform debate lasts. It’s targeting six more GOP senators than a previous ad buy in May. (Roubein, 6/12)
