Democrats Worry Compromising For Short-Term Wins Will Lead To Long-Term Evisceration Of Law
Democratic lawmakers want the insurer subsidies to be paid. But to get that, they have to give up on something important to them -- state waivers. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for them to reach a deal.
The Hill:
Dem, GOP Demands Could Sink Bipartisan ObamaCare Fix
Democrats fear that GOP demands for concessions on a bill meant to stabilize insurance markets could lead to the end of key protections for consumers under ObamaCare. Republicans say that in exchange for funding for insurers that would help prevent an ObamaCare premium spike, Democrats should agree to expanding waivers that could allow states to opt out of certain requirements under ObamaCare. (Sullivan, 9/8)
The Hill:
Week Ahead: Senate Panel Looks To Quickly Strike Deal On ObamaCare Fix
Democrats want the bill to include multiple years of funding for key insurer payments, known as cost-sharing reduction (CSR) subsidies, while Republicans only want one year. Insurers have threatened to leave the market or hike premiums if they don't get more certainty on these payments. But a bigger sticking point is the changes Republicans want to make to ObamaCare's 1332 waivers. (Hellmann, 9/11)
The Hill:
Kasich: ObamaCare Insurers 'Have To Make A Profit Like Anyone Else'
Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) on Friday voiced support for more state flexibility under ObamaCare, while also advocating for the Trump administration to fund subsidy payments to insurers. Kasich pushed back on the notion among some conservatives that the payments, known as cost-sharing reductions, are a bailout of insurers. (Weixel, 9/8)
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
Ohio Gov. Kasich's Ideas For Obamacare Repair May Be Gaining Steam
Congress may have talked itself out of trying to kill Obamacare after more than seven years, so the idea of repairing the Affordable Care Act instead is gaining steam. And Ohio Gov. John Kasich is playing a big role in trying to make that happen. (Koff, 9/9)
Kaiser Health News:
Podcast: ‘What The Health?’ Welcome Back, Congress. Now Get To Work.
The Senate this week launched hearings on both the fate of the individual insurance market and the future of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which is set to expire at the end of September. Still in the mix on Capitol Hill is one possible last-ditch effort to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act. But with Congress quickly wrapping up much of its “must-do” legislation, it’s not clear how or when these issues will be tackled, says a panel of experienced health care journalists in this week’s episode of “What the Health?” (9/8)
