The longstanding effort to repeal and replace Obamacare died in July when it could not get the required votes, but Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have recently gained attention with a new proposal. The Graham-Cassidy Bill, a final shot for Republican leaders to repeal the Affordable Care Act, is making its way through Senate despite its deadline at the end of this month. The coming weeks are crucial in gaining enough traction to pass seeing as it could potentially jeopardize another health care effort in the Senate: a rare bipartisan discussion that has been taking place on stabilizing the Obamacare marketplace.
Cassidy is sure the bill will be able to get 48-49 Republican votes, but getting 50th vote is the crucial and the hardest part. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that if Graham and Cassidy can secure the votes, he is prepared to make another attempt to move a health care bill, a source familiar with the process told CNN. House Speaker Paul Ryan also spoke about the proposal, calling it “our best, last chance to get repeal and replace done.” Ryan said that if Graham-Cassidy passes through the Senate, he will bring it to the House floor without a conference.
With all the attention on Capitol Hill, the Graham-Cassidy Bill faces opposition from multiple activists, lawmakers, and organizations urging constituents to make phone calls to their senators. Ben Wikler, Washington Director of MoveOn.org, sent a “red alert” email over the weekend encouraging others to help defeat Trumpcare. He says, “defeating Trumpcare doesn’t take rocket science. What it takes is steady focus and relentless pressure. We can do this. Lives depend on it.” With two weeks left, progressive groups are bringing awareness and action for “crunch time”.
- Repeal Obamacare individual and employer mandates
- Repeal Obamacare subsidies and end Medicaid expansion funding
- Loosen Obamacare’s regulations regarding pre-existing conditions
- Revamp funding for Medicaid overall
- Allow states to institute work requirements for Medicaid
- Permit everyone in the individual market to buy catastrophic plans
- Repeal a handful of taxes
- Defund Planned Parenthood
- Increase maximum contributions to health savings accounts
The Washington Posts details the differences and similarities between the ACA, Failed Senate Bill, and the Cassidy-Graham Proposal here.
