Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Some Republicans Keen To Get Show On The Road When It Comes To 'Repeal And Replace'
The Hill: Republicans Growing Impatient With Pace Of ObamaCare Repeal
Republican lawmakers on Wednesday said they are not happy with the pace Congress is taking on repealing ObamaCare. In a meeting with reporters, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said he would like the healthcare law to be repealed within the next two or three months. "I don't think that we should allow it to go beyond that window, the repeal, because I think the American people are suffering." (Hellmann, 2/8)
The Wall Street Journal: Mike Lee: Obamacare Must Be Repealed First, Replaced Later
Republicans, who hold a 52-48 majority in the Senate, are united in their desire to repeal the law they call “Obamacare” but differ in timing and legislative strategy, especially how much disruption they are willing to tolerate to remake health policy in their own vision. A handful are unwilling to vote to repeal the health law before replacement legislation is ready, arguing such a path creates too much uncertainty for fragile insurance markets. But others including Mr. Lee argue Congress should repeal the 2010 law first, then craft and pass a sweeping new health law in the ensuing policy vacuum. (Hackman and Radnofsky, 2/8)
Kaiser Health News: Conservatives Urge Speedup Of Health Law Repeal, Dismiss Calls For Caution
Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., who heads the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, said he recognizes that people are “anxious” about changing the health law. “The quicker we can give them answers, the better off we are,” he said. (Rovner, 2/8)
Modern Healthcare: Conservatives In Congress Push For Hearing On Repeal Bill Next Week
Meadows also revealed that he called the White House wondering about President Donald Trump's interview with Bill O'Reilly in which he said a replacement wouldn't be rolled out until late this year or next. “His comments were more about a transition period that may take a year or more to actually transition into a new plan,” Meadows said. He said that the White House assured him they were still supportive of repealing and replacing the ACA as soon as possible. (Dickson, 2/8)
CQ Roll Call: Lee: Don't Add Obamacare Replacement Options To Repeal Bill
Lee's comments come as House Republican leaders emphasize an ambitious agenda to include several replacement provisions in a repeal measure. That would include language to expand the use of health savings accounts, fund high-risk pools and make tax credits available for consumers who purchase insurance in the individual market, according to congressional aides, lobbyists and other sources off Capitol Hill. (Mershon and Williams, 2/8)
