Majority Of Americans Extremely Worried That Repeal Will Cost Many Health Coverage
A new poll shows that, though Americans are still divided over what the future of the health law should be, the majority of them are concerned about how the Republicans' plans for repeal will affect coverage. Meanwhile other outlets offer a look at what repeal could mean across the country and in different industries.
The Associated Press:
AP-NORC Poll: Broad Worries About Potential Health Care Loss
Though "Obamacare" still divides Americans, a majority worry that many will lose coverage if the 2010 law is repealed in the nation's long-running political standoff over health care. A new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that 56 percent of U.S. adults are "extremely" or "very" concerned that many will lose health insurance if the health overhaul is repealed. That includes more than 8 in 10 Democrats, nearly half of independents, and more than 1 in 5 Republicans. Another 45 percent of Republicans say they're "somewhat" concerned. (Alonso-Zaldivar and Swanson, 1/27)
McClatchy:
Most Americans Don't Want Obama's Signature Health Care Law Repealed, Poll Finds
Most American voters are satisfied with the quality and cost of their health care and say the Affordable Care Act should be fixed but not repealed, according to a new national poll. The Quinnipiac University Poll carries caution for Republicans who have long promised to dismantle the law: Voters say by 84 to 13 percent that Congress should not repeal the 2010 law known as Obamacare until there is a replacement plan in place. (Clark, 1/27)
The New York Times:
For Some, The Affordable Care Act Is A Lifesaver. For Others, A Burden.
After President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress vowed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans have been left wondering about the future of their health care. We asked readers to tell us how they would be affected if the law were repealed. These are some of their stories. (Patel and Haque, 1/29)
The Washington Post:
Obamacare Was A Boon For Many Restaurant Workers. Now What, They Wonder?
At the start of the new year, Tom Holland changed his health insurance. He signed up for a plan through the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare. He had little choice: His previous insurance didn’t cover many of the services he needed, including a biopsy scheduled for Jan. 9. The former owner of the Juice Joint Cafe in downtown Washington had already canceled the biopsy once after learning “it would cost a grand to get that done,” he says. He knew he shouldn’t let the procedure slide any longer. The lump in his neck had not gotten any smaller since he first discovered it last spring. (Carman, 1/27)
NPR:
Repeal Of Obamacare Could Threaten Provisions That Protect Seniors
Republican lawmakers meeting in Philadelphia this week say they want their replacement of Obamacare to be done by spring. There is no consensus on a plan yet, but several Republicans in Congress have already circulated proposals that could reduce or eliminate features of the federal health law that have benefited older Americans. (Jaffe, 1/28)
Sacramento Bee:
Obamacare Repeal Will Affect Millions In California
A repeal of the Affordable Care Act without some form of replacement insurance would have profound effects in California, particularly in counties with a high proportion of impoverished residents. President Donald Trump and Congress have taken steps to repeal the ACA, often called Obamacare. Lawmakers supporting repeal, mostly Republicans, have promised to replace Obamacare with another form of broad-based coverage but have not yet rallied around an alternative. (Reese, 1/27)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Parents’ Status Puts Some Children’s Health Care In Jeopardy
Now, however, the ability of Edwin [Bernal] and 164,000 poor children in California without authorization to see a doctor for regular medical care hangs in the balance: Several experts predict they could be among the first to lose health coverage if the Trump administration carries out its promise to end much of Obamacare, leaving California to try to make up the difference. (Aguilera, 1/29)
Cleveland Plain Dealer:
If You Have Cancer Or Diabetes, President Trump's 'Across-State-Lines' Healthcare Proposal Might Concern You
What happens if insurance becomes more state-based, as before? And what happens if Congress follows through on President Donald Trump's wish to let insurers sell policies across state lines so they create more competition -- and so consumers have more choice? The idea of selling across state lines is ripe, and appears likely to be part of the post-Obamacare universe. It scares healthcare advocates. It excites free-market champions. Let's dive in. (Koff, 1/27)
Arizona Republic:
Arizona's Ducey Cites 'Obamacare' Harm In Seeking Repeal, But Law’s Positives Complicate Issue
Gov. Doug Ducey described Arizona as "ground zero" for damage caused by former President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul known as Obamacare. Citing factors such as the Affordable Care Act's spiraling premiums and narrow options for Arizona residents who directly purchase their health insurance, Ducey joined a chorus of conservatives across the country calling to repeal and replace parts of the health law passed in 2010. But the act seems to have had a positive impact in Arizona on several fronts, offering reminders close to home of how complicated any repeal may be. (Hansen and Alltucker, 1/27)
WBUR:
Hospitals Worry Repeal Of Obamacare Would Jeopardize Innovations In Care
Much has been written about the 20 million people who gained health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, and what could happen to these patients if the ACA is repealed without a replacement. But some people don't realize that hospitals nationwide could take a big financial hit on several fronts, too. (Gourlay, 1/27)
Columbus Dispatch:
Obamacare Repeal Uncertainties Worry Central Ohio Hospitals
As President Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress work to dismantle and replace the Affordable Care Act, hospital officials nationwide are watching to see how that will affect their work to provide health care and what a replacement will mean to their bottom line. Dr. Sheldon Retchin, CEO of Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, said the act's repeal would negatively affect the "safety net" for hospitals that care for the most vulnerable populations. (Viviano and Lane, 1/30)
The Wall Street Journal:
Some Rare Good News For Small Businesses Paying Employee Health Costs
Small businesses can once again use pretax funds to reimburse workers for health-care costs, especially premiums for individual and family coverage. In a little noticed move, Congress late last year reauthorized Health Reimbursement Arrangements for businesses with fewer than 50 employees. As a result, these firms won’t risk large penalties on payments they provide to workers who purchase their own health insurance. Many of these firms don’t offer group-health plans, and this law enables them still to offer a health-care benefit. (Saunders, 1/27)
