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DonViejo

(60,536 posts)
Wed Sep 13, 2017, 10:09 AM Sep 2017

Obamacare Stabilization Talks Go Awry As GOPers Demand Benefits Rollbacks

Source: Talking Points Memo



By ALICE OLLSTEIN Published SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 6:00 AM

After a year of backroom, closed-door, GOP-only meetings on health care, and a bitter, partisan floor fight over repealing the Affordable Care Act that eventually collapsed, senators from both parties came together to hold nearly half-a-dozen public hearings and hammer out a bill to stabilize Obamacare’s vulnerable insurance exchanges by the end of September. But beneath the bipartisan bonhomie, there is trouble in paradise.

In exchange for funding Obamacare’s subsidies to insurers that cover care of low-income people with severe health needs, Republicans are demanding that some of the ACA’s protections and mandates be waived—and have suggested rolling back the requirement that every insurance plan cover essential health benefits like maternity care and mental health treatment.

This week, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), the chair of the committee crafting the stabilization bill, mocked the concept of forcing all insurers to offer comprehensive health care plans.




Senate Democrats say they’re open to some increased “flexibility” but worry that allowing too many regulatory rollbacks will lead to more expensive and worse quality health coverage for millions of people. Though many proposals have been tossed onto the table over the past few weeks, the key battle is currently over loosening the rules around Obamacare’s “state innovation” waivers—which states obtain from the federal government to test different health care systems. Some states, including Alaska, have used these waivers to set up reinsurance programs, which have brought down the number of uninsured residents and lowered costs. But other states are seeking waivers for plans that health care experts say would create “barriers to enrollment.”

Read more: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/obamacare-stabilization-talks-go-awry-as-gopers-demand-benefits-rollbacks
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Obamacare Stabilization Talks Go Awry As GOPers Demand Benefits Rollbacks (Original Post) DonViejo Sep 2017 OP
Sabotage SHRED Sep 2017 #1
I sometimes criticize folks here for repeating over and over, "WHAT is wrong with these people?" pangaia Sep 2017 #2
They are announcing a final ACA repeal attempt TODAY! BigmanPigman Sep 2017 #3
Don't back down! Ligyron Sep 2017 #4
The GOP can't repeal it so they will destroy it. I wonder which Dems are open Autumn Sep 2017 #5
I can just hear it now Bayard Sep 2017 #6
The GOP is not acting in good faith here Gothmog Sep 2017 #7
They've got their chemo locked up bucolic_frolic Sep 2017 #8
Repugs determined to destroy healthcare for most Americans, by hook or crook. lark Sep 2017 #9
Yep, Matthew28 Sep 2017 #10
Democrats do not need to participate in ANY diminution of the ACA! WinkyDink Sep 2017 #11

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
2. I sometimes criticize folks here for repeating over and over, "WHAT is wrong with these people?"
Wed Sep 13, 2017, 10:16 AM
Sep 2017

BUT-


"and have suggested rolling back the requirement that every insurance plan cover essential health benefits like maternity care and mental health treatment. "


Fuck what is wrong with these people?"

WHAT?



OK, don't answer that because we all know.

BigmanPigman

(51,430 posts)
3. They are announcing a final ACA repeal attempt TODAY!
Wed Sep 13, 2017, 10:21 AM
Sep 2017

The Graham Cassidy Bill is being announced today. I was informed of this news during a conference call with Congressmember Lee (D-CA) last night. The calendar expires in two weeks and they need a legislative win, even if it will effect over 20 million poor, sick, and elderly. The GOP is buying votes from McCain and others! We must act FAST and be forceful to stop it AGAIN!! I HATE THEM!!!

Please call your reps one more time...(202)224-3121. THANKS!

Autumn

(44,755 posts)
5. The GOP can't repeal it so they will destroy it. I wonder which Dems are open
Wed Sep 13, 2017, 10:26 AM
Sep 2017

open to some increased “flexibility” .

lark

(23,003 posts)
9. Repugs determined to destroy healthcare for most Americans, by hook or crook.
Wed Sep 13, 2017, 02:25 PM
Sep 2017

They damned well want that money to give to themselves and their rich oligarch masters and will get it from unhealthy poor people one way or another. Every plan they've had is just another cover-up for a tax cut for millionaires paid for by sick middle class and lower workers. None of their plans have anything really to do with providing healthcare, just the opposite all have to do with not providing services. It's all about tax cuts for the rich and that's it.

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