WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans would cut Medicaid, end penalties for people not buying insurance and erase a raft of tax increases as part…
This is a developing story and is being continually updated. Check back for new information.
President Donald Trump is expressing hope the Senate will pass a health care plan « with heart » following the release of a Republican plan to dismantle President Barack Obama’s health law.
Trump says at the start of a White House event on technology he is hopeful Congress will get something done on health care « with heart. »
The president spoke shortly after Senate Republicans released a 142-page draft (available here) of their bill to get rid of much of the Obamacare law.
The bill faces broad opposition from Democrats. But Trump says that Republicans would love to have Democratic support.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the Republican plan to scuttle the Obama health care law, arguing it’s the right alternative to a « failed » Obamacare.
Moments after the 142-page discussion draft was unveiled, McConnell spoke on the Senate floor, renewing his criticism of the 7-year-old law.
He outlined the GOP plan that would cut Medicaid, slash taxes and waive the requirement that Americans purchase health insurance. Senate Republicans had been briefed on the plan earlier Thursday.
Emerging from the session, McConnell did not answer when asked if he has the votes to pass the GOP proposal. A vote would occur next week after budget analysts assess the package.
The bill would repeal tax increases Obama’s law imposed on higher-income people and medical industry companies to pay for expanded coverage. And it would end the tax penalty Obama’s statute imposes on people who don’t buy insurance — in effect, ending the so-called individual mandate.
The measure would drop the House’s waivers allowing states to let insurers boost premiums on some people with medical conditions.
McConnell is hoping to push the measure through the Senate next week. But its fate remains uncertain. At least a half-dozen Republicans — both conservatives and moderates — have complained about it.
Senate Republicans had their private meeting early Thursday to hear from leaders about their long-awaited plan.
McConnell developed the bill behind closed doors. The measure represents his attempt to satisfy GOP moderates and conservatives who’ve complained about the measure.
It represents the Kentucky senator’s attempt to quell criticism by party moderates and conservatives and win the support he needs.
The bill is, in some respects, more moderate than the House bill, offering more financial assistance to some lower-income people to help them defray the rapidly rising cost of private health insurance.
The Associated Press
