Flurry Of Health Movement In Blue States May Act As ‘Test Balloons’ For Wider Marketplace
With a divided Congress, there may not be much forward progress on health care issues at a national level, but states led by Democratic lawmakers are already taking steps to fulfill campaign promises for more expanded options.
The Associated Press:
Democrats Roll Out Big Health Care Proposals In The States
Riding the momentum from November's elections, Democratic leaders in the states are wasting no time delivering on their biggest campaign promise — to expand access to health care and make it more affordable. The first full week of state legislative sessions and swearings-in for governors saw a flurry of proposals. (Ho and Mulvihill, 1/12)
The Hill:
Blue States Buck Trump To Expand Health Coverage
Democratic governors are experimenting with new ways to expand health care, testing out progressive ideas that could go national if their party wins the Senate or White House in 2020. The policies run counter to the Trump administration's ideas and are only now possible after a Democratic wave in the House helped secure the future of ObamaCare. (Weixel, 1/13)
CQ:
States Prep Bold Health Care Moves As Washington Stalls
A number of governors and state legislators are taking action to expand health care coverage and improve affordability as a newly splintered Washington stalls amid partisan disputes. The gridlock between Democrats and the Trump administration that partially shuttered government operations casts doubt on whether Congress could strike a deal on an issue as politically rancorous as health care. States are picking up the slack, with new governors signing executive orders and proposing plans to drastically increase coverage or confront rising prescription drug prices. (Clason and McIntire, 1/14)
The New York Times:
California Adds Its Clout To States Battling High Drug Prices
Gavin Newsom dived into the highly charged debate over prescription drug prices in his first week as California’s governor, vowing action on a topic that has enraged the public but has proved resistant to easy fixes. His idea: Find strength in numbers. Within hours of taking office on Monday, Mr. Newsom signed an executive order proposing a plan that would allow California to directly negotiate with drug manufacturers. (Thomas, 1/11)
