SENATE VOTES TO PROCEED ON REPUBLICAN HEALTH CARE BILL BUT REJECTS FIRST AMENDMENT FOR REPEAL AND REPLACEMENT – ARE WE HEADED FOR “SKINNY REPEAL”?

On July 25, Vice President Mike Pence broke a 50-50 tie to permit debate on repeal and/or replacement of Obamacare also known as the Affordable Care Act which passed in 2010 (hereinafter “Obamacare”). Senator John McCain, recently diagnosed with brain cancer, entered the Senate chamber around ½ hour after the roll call began. His vote was crucial since there was no room for error. The vote now allows the Senate to discuss the House bill passed in May which had draconian cuts to Obamacare as it presently exists.

It is now anticipated that virtually limitless amendments will be discussed including (without limitation) complete repeal of the controversial health care law, permitting insurers to charge premiums five times greater than what younger customers pay, drastic cuts to long-term Medicaid coverage affecting the poor, working class and middle class, creating substantial risk to home and community based services presently available as an alternative to nursing home care, elimination of pre-existing condition safeguards and less generous health care subsidies for consumers.

Since there is deep division between Senate moderates and conservatives as to how to replace Obamacare, it is possible to simply pass a bill (called “skinny repeal”) repealing less popular portions of Obamacare (ending individual and employer mandates for insurance as well as the tax on medical device makers in addition to defunding planned parenthood) with the hope a final agreement could be worked out in conference with the House. It is anticipated that passage of skinny repeal would result in 16 million Americans losing insurance coverage and premiums would increase by 20%.

The first vote, on an amendment which erased Obamacare’s tax penalties on people not buying insurance and cutting Medicaid failed by a vote of 57-43. Straight repeal of Obamacare was rejected by a vote of 55-45 on Wednesday as it was anticipated 30 million Americans would lose their coverage under that bill.

Contact us

Questions? Contact us at Michael B. Cohen & Associates

Michael B. Cohen & Associates
12201 Merit Drive | Suite 230 | Dallas 75251
Phone: (214) 720-0102
http://www.dallaselderlawyer.com