Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Cassidy Claims Coverage For Preexisting Conditions Is 'Absolutely The Same' But That's Not True
The Washington Post Fact Checker: Sen. Cassidy’s Misleading Claim That Preexisting-Conditions ‘Protection Is Absolutely The Same’
In the dispute between late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), one of the key authors of the long-shot GOP effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a key issue is whether the proposal maintains the ACA’s guarantee that people with preexisting condition can obtain health insurance. That has always been one of the most popular parts of Obamacare, and President Trump has insisted he would not sign a bill without such protections. He tweeted that this version of repeal — co-sponsored by Cassidy and Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) — contains such protections. (Kessler, 9/23)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: PolitiFact: GOP Bill Weakens Protections For Pre-Existing Conditions
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), one of four co-sponsors of the latest GOP health care bill, says the bill will protect people with pre-existing conditions "every bit as well as Obamacare did." PolitiFact Wisconsin finds that, by allowing states to obtain waivers, insurers could be allowed to raise rates and reduce benefits for people with pre-existing medical conditions. (Kertscher, 9/22)
The Hill: White House Aide: 'Pre-Existing Conditions Continue To Be Covered' Under ObamaCare Repeal Bill
White House legislative affairs director Marc Short stressed on Sunday that the GOP's latest ObamaCare repeal effort includes coverage for pre-existing conditions. "The ObamaCare legislation required coverage of pre-existing conditions. This legislation does not change that," Short said on CBS's "Face The Nation." (Savransky, 9/24)
The Hill: Kimmel Consulted With Schumer On Health-Care Details: Report
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel consulted with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer's (D-N.Y.) office on details surrounding the health-care debate, The Daily Beast reported Friday. Schumer's office "provided technical guidance and info about the bill, as well as stats from various think tanks and experts on the effects of" the legislation, a source told the outlet. (Manchester, 9/22)
Arizona Republic: Jimmy Kimmel Thanks McCain On Twitter For Health Care Vote
After the Arizona Sen. John McCain confirmed Friday he would not support the GOP's latest health-care bill, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel thanked the senator on Twitter, capping Kimmel's high-profile week of publicly opposing the bill. (McCrory, 9/22)
