So if this passes it would be instant chaos and collapse of the markets? Forget the horror of the bill – this is the craziest, most convoluted introduction of legislation I have ever seen.
Every change makes it clearer that the main point of this bill is simply to not be Obamacare. If they added coverage for pets on the moon, simply because Obamacare doesn’t have it, it wouldn’t surprise me.
I never thought there was this much hate in America. How could I have been so wrong? Apparently Trump voters hate the black man so much they are willing to die for it.
Has anyone remarked that Trump’s ultimatum is a totally empty threat to create self-imposed drama? (Maybe this came up in a discussion yesterday when I was otherwise occupied…)
It puts pressure on House Republicans only if they let it. If they vote down the bill today, Trump can’t prevent them from continuing to work on the issue. And if they pass a health bill a month from now or six months from now, is he really going to say, “Sorry, you’re stuck with Obamacare,” and refuse to sign it?
Ummmm… . $186 less in deficit reduction?
Talk about the straw that broke the camel’s back …
Great analysis and reporting on this rapidly changing story and detailing the implications of the details that got mashed into this amendment. Standing ovation for the TPM team.
Health care is an issue that requires a lot of political capital and effort. It would pretty hard to take that on again at a later time. And by this time next year, Reps and Senators will be thinking about the 2018 elections and will be even more hesitant to take political risks.
Also, President Trump and Speaker Ryan also want to take on tax reform. That too will require a lot of political capital and effort, not to mention time.
This is going to exacerbate the hell out of regional divides in care and screw up a lot of state budgets. Because the blue states will likely stick with the ACA list of essential benefits, while the red states will pare them way back. Which means insurance will be cheaper in the red states, except that red states tend to have worse health stats, so insurance companies will likely price high to avoid unforeseen risks. And don’t have any actuarial requirements anymore. Meanwhile the tax credits won’t go as far in blue states, causing death spiral and/or pressure to relax EHBs and/or state subsidies.
And then the medicaid contraction.
Only if you want to do it right. This was what, a few committees with no hearings and maybe a month of calendar. But you’re probably right, because if they wanted to do it later they’d have to not want to do quite such a crappy job.
O/T Just saw on the Washington Post - Rep. Schiff is about to hold a Press Conference (live link on front page) - which I think has to do with Manafort? https://www.washingtonpost.com/
Schiff is objecting to Nunes cancelling public hearing with three additional witnesses…didn’t catch names (Brenner,Brennen?) In response to questioning: there’s a real question here whether this committee can do an independent investigation. Need a select committee. I think that’s the take away. Schiff pretty much set up for this question to be asked.
One was Clapper.
There seems to be endless discussion of policy details, but really: all they’re trying to do is stick it to Obama, follow up on years of empty promises to repeal, and get rid of those pesky taxes on rich folk. Everything else is just window dressing.
Thanks. Heard that too but forgot as the presser went fwd.
Schiff is a man in control of himself at all times. Impressively so. And in stark contrast to Trump or Nunes.
Well, I called my RepubliCANT representative’s office yesterday and confirmed that he is committed to voting NO ® no this TrumpRyan/AHCA bill today! Although, I’m glad he’s committed in doing so, but in my opinion, for the wrong reasons…he wants a FULL REPEAL of ACA…FULL STOP! Yes, its crazy and ironic that we agree on this particular bill and I agree it is nutty!
I also expressed my opposition for his purpose of voting NO, because I feel that ACA needs tweaks or fixes to control costs in premiums, deductibles/co-pays and drugs by 1) allowing the remaining 19 states who have not expanded Medicaid, to do so. For this will allow millions more to sign up for coverage and they will qualify for subsidies the remaining 31states, including DC are privy too today. 2) include a provision to negotiate drugs costs from drug companies, due to the volume of medications needed to maintain one’s health care. But of course the idiot did not want to hear that.
Rearranging the deck chairs and singing “Nearer, OMG, to Thee”
The House plans to pass the bill after just four hours of debate on Friday, having already waived a rule that they take at least an entire day to read a revised bill before holding a vote.
Golly, didn’t Pubbies complain endlessly about Obamacare being “rushed through?”
Trump, like Nunes, is confused about the relationship between the President and Congress. He seems to think he’s the CEO, and they work for him. It’s a failure to grasp the most basic facts of the way this Republic works – but that should not be news to anyone at this point.
He was a crackerjack prosecutor, and knows how to frame the issue, how to pose the right questions, and how to create the necessary atmosphere.