What’s Dividing Republican Senators on the Health Care Bill
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As Republican leaders plan to release a revised health care bill on Thursday, at least a dozen senators have expressed concerns about several major issues in the current draft.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Other Regulations
The current draft of the Senate bill preserves the Affordable Care Act’s protection for people with pre-existing illnesses. However, it allows states to waive many other rules, including the requirement that insurers cover a basic set of benefits. Senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee want to add an amendment that would allow insurers to offer plans that do not follow any of the Affordable Care Act’s rules.
Want fewer regulations
Ted Cruz Tex.
Said his amendment would lower premiums and give consumers freedom “without the government mandates.”
Ron Johnson Wis.
Wrote an op-ed calling for the loosening of regulations and mandates.
Mike Lee Utah
Backs Mr. Cruz's amendment, saying that consumers would have less-expensive options.
Rand Paul Ky.
Said that “you have to repeal the regulations if you want to bring down prices for people.”
Emphasize keeping protections
Shelley Moore Capito W.Va.
Said Mr. Cruz's amendment “would make it too difficult for people with pre-existing conditions to get coverage.”
Bill Cassidy La.
Said in May that any bill needs to pass the “Jimmy Kimmel test,” meaning that “a child born with congenital heart disease be able to get everything she or he would need in that first year of life.”
Susan Collins Me.
Said Mr. Cruz's amendment “would erode protections for people with pre-existing conditions.”
Charles E. Grassley Iowa
Said he would object to Mr. Cruz's amendment if it “has the effect of annihilating the pre-existing condition requirement” in the existing bill.
Dean Heller Nev.
Said the bill does not do enough to “protect Nevadans with pre-existing conditions.”
