On Thursday, the CBO estimated that 22 million people fewer people would hold insurance a decade from now under the latest version of the Senate GOP replacement plan. The CBO projected that 15 million more Americans would be uninsured in 2018 compared with current law, largely because the bill would repeal the ACA’s tax penalties for individuals to buy insurance and larger employers to offer it. By 2026, premiums would be expected to double.
Reasons for the increase in uninsured are many, the CBO report says. Premiums would also climb for anyone trying to buy comprehensive coverage meeting the current Obamacare standard. They include a $842 billion reduction in federal funds to Medicaid to cover those living under or near the federal poverty line; a $679 billion cut in subsidies for non-group health insurance; and the elimination of a $6 billion tax credit to small businesses that provide health insurance to employees. This would extend to three-quarters of the population by 2026.
Asked by a reporter during a press conference in MA about the CBO figure, Ryan said the Senate should still vote to repeal Obamacare and that the decline in the insured would be due in part to getting rid of Obamacare’s individual mandate.
Americans who would have gotten Medicaid coverage could try to obtain private health insurance, and they would get some federal help. “This principle underpins why states mandate that all drivers have vehicle insurance, why homeowners are required to insure their homes – it is what makes insurance markets work successfully”.
The CBO said the the estimates are uncertain because it is hard to predict how individuals, employers, states, insurers, doctors, hospitals and other affected parties will respond to changes made by the legislation.
McConnell has said that any planned vote on ACA repeal can be amended on the floor.
Senate Republicans failed to find enough votes this week to pass their bill, after two more Republicans said they would vote against the measure.
President Donald Trump urged Senate Republicans earlier Wednesday to find an agreement before Congress breaks for recess in August.