Trending News Today: Senate Continues Push to Pass AHCA

GOP Senate leaders have been working to develop their version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which they hope will be viewed positively by other lawmakers. While Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is aiming for a vote this month, his lieutenants consider that it may be moved to July due to unknown factors, according to Politico. The passage of the bill is expected to be reliant on finding 50 votes and the Congressional Budget Office’s report about how the bill would affect the country, Politico reported.

The Department of Health and Human Services recently released a report that found 16% of individuals who signed up for a plan through Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces dropped their coverage, according to ABC News. This trend is consistent with what was observed under former President Barack Obama. The new administration said that the high dropout rate, in addition to premium increases and insurer withdrawal, is a sign that the marketplace is failing and there needs to be replacement legislation, according to the article.

Yesterday, Ohio governor John Kasich (R) said that he would be in favor of phasing out the ACA If states were provided with more funding and flexibility for Medicaid than what would be offered in the House-approved AHCA, The New York Times reported. This compromise would likely be supported by moderate Republicans who are largely seeking to preserve Medicaid; however, this could be viewed as unfavorable for conservatives. The passage of the bill requires nearly all Republican votes, many of whom come from states with expanded Medicaid programs.