Vulnerable D.C. Stands To Lose Billions If Health Law Is Dismantled
Nearly 40 percent of the District's population relies on Medicaid, so if it loses federal aid, the results would be devastating to the city and its residents. Outlets report on the potential impact of the health law's repeal in Connecticut and California as well.
The Washington Post:
GOP Health Proposals Could Cost D.C. Billions, Report Finds
Proposals by Congressional Republicans to repeal the Affordable Care Act could cost the District government billions of dollars over the next decade, according to a report released Wednesday by D.C. Auditor Kathleen Patterson. The report paints a bleak picture for District officials as they prepare to weather GOP efforts to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s signature health-care law as well as revamp Medicaid, the federal government’s health-insurance program for the poor. (Jamison, 1/25)
Connecticut Post:
Report: Connecticut Would Be 10th-Most Affected By ACA Repeal
Connecticut is expected to be one of the states most affected by the expected repeal of the Affordable Care Act, according to a new report from the website WalletHub. On Wednesday, the website released an in-depth analysis identifying the states that would face the biggest impact from the repeal and found that Connecticut would be the 10th-most affected state. Massachusetts was expected to be the state most affected, and Texas was expected to be the state least affected. (Cuda, 1/25)
California Healthline:
‘Not Turning Back’: California Governor Vows To Protect State’s Health Care
In an unusually impassioned speech, Gov. Jerry Brown vowed Tuesday to protect California’s health care gains under Obamacare against Republican attempts in Washington, D.C., to roll them back. “More than any other state, California has embraced the Affordable Care Act,” Brown told state legislators and appointees in his annual State of the State address at California’s Capitol. “I intend to join with other Governors and Senators, and with you, to do everything we can to protect the health care of our people.” (Bartolone, 1/25)
WBUR:
Gov. Jerry Brown: 'California Is Not Turning Back'
In the first week of the Trump administration, California Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown is sending out a defiant message that his state will continue to defend its ideals, particularly when it comes to immigration, health care and climate change. Brown expressed his thoughts loud and clear Tuesday during his State of the State address. (Hobson, 1/25)
Kaiser Health News:
Fight Is On To Protect Health Care In California, Says Foundation Head
Anna Gorman reports: "As Republicans seek to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, advocacy organizations around the nation are strategizing on how best to respond. Do they defend the law at all costs? Do they take part in the repeal conversation so they can help design an alternative? Already, numerous groups are mobilizing patients and health care advocates to raise awareness of the impact of a repeal. (Gorman, 1/26)
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, lawmakers take steps to offer relief to residents hit hard by spiking insurance rates —
Minnesota Public Radio:
Lawmakers Back Aid For Minnesotans Hurt By Health Coverage Cost Hikes
Minnesota House and Senate negotiators on Wednesday finalized a compromise bill to deliver health insurance premium relief to thousands of Minnesotans. The Legislature is expected to pass it Thursday and send it to Gov. Mark Dayton, who's expected to sign it. The bill takes $327 million from the budget reserve to give a 25 percent rebate to anyone who purchases coverage on the individual market for 2017. It also includes important reforms, including a provision that helps people who've lost their coverage to keep seeing their doctor, said state Sen. Michelle Benson, R-Ham Lake. (Pugmire, 1/25)
Pioneer Press:
MN Lawmakers Agree On Health Insurance Premium Relief; Passage Set For Thursday
The roughly 120,000 Minnesotans facing skyrocketing health insurance premiums on the individual health insurance market are about to get taxpayer-funded 25 percent discounts after Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican lawmakers overcame their differences this week. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton. Just a few final steps remain before the $325 million relief package becomes law.Both chambers of the state Legislature are likely to pass the relief bill Thursday, after a joint committee of lawmakers approved a compromise Wednesday afternoon.Dayton says he likely would sign it into law “as soon as I get my hands on the bill.” (Montgomery, 1/25)
