The Last Draft Of GOP’s Bill Failed — So What’s Different This Time?
Media outlets look at the changes leadership has made to try to woo senators, such as adding the option to let insurers sell cheaper, skinny plans. But one thing that hasn't been touched? The unpopular Medicaid cuts.
The Hill:
Senate GOP Outlines Revised Health Bill
The revisions are aimed at winning over additional support, but it remains deeply in doubt whether the bill can get 50 votes. Importantly, senators said the Medicaid sections of the bill would remain largely unchanged from the initial draft, a blow to moderates who had pushed for easing cuts to Medicaid. That means a new cap on Medicaid spending will still drop after 2025, leading to deeper cuts opposed by moderates. And funds for ObamaCare's expansion of Medicaid will still end in 2024. (Sullivan and Hellmann, 7/11)
The Associated Press:
Senate Consumer Choice Idea Could Raise Premiums For Sick
A health care proposal from Senate conservatives would let insurers sell skimpy policies provided they also offer a comprehensive plan. It's being billed as pro-consumer, allowing freedom of choice and potential savings for many. But critics say it would split the sick and the healthy, leading to unsustainably high premiums for people with medical problems and pre-existing conditions, who may get priced out of the market unless taxpayers bail them out. (Alonso-Zaldivar, 7/11)
The Hill:
Study: Cruz Amendment Could Raise Premiums For 1.5M With Pre-Existing Conditions
One and a half million people with pre-existing conditions could face higher premiums under an amendment to the Senate's healthcare bill being pushed by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), according to a new analysis released Tuesday. The proposed amendment, which is being considered by GOP leadership, would essentially let insurers sell plans that don't meet Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements as long as they also sell plans that do. (Hellmann, 7/11)
The Fiscal Times:
Why Ted Cruz's Health Care Fix Can't Save The GOP's Bill
The Cruz-Lee version of the bill is being touted as a potential compromise that could bring together the warring sides of the GOP by finding a way to satisfy both the most conservative members of the caucus, who want to see the ACA destroyed root and branch, and the more moderate members who don’t want to be accused of throwing millions of Americans off of their health insurance coverage... The Cruz-Lee bill does offer generous subsidies to some Americans, but those aren’t available to people earning incomes that put them above the poverty level but well short of the “middle class.” (Garver, 7/11)
