Ryan defends AHCA after CBO estimates 23M would lose coverage — 6 key notes

After the Congressional Budget Office said the American Health Care Act would cost 23 million Americans insurance coverage, Senate Republicans are steering clear of the House’s ACA alternative, The Washington Times reports.

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Here’s what you should know.

1. Senate Republicans are scrambling to draft an ACA alternative. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said the House’s ACA alternative is “not the solution.” While Sen. Lindsey Graham. R-S.C., recommended letting the ACA collapse to “force Democrats to the bargaining table.”

2. Some senators believe Medicaid cuts are going to help fuel the opioid epidemic, and others are debating possible funding sources for payer and beneficiary subsidies.

3. Senate Democrats are firmly united against the bill.

4. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., defended the House’s alternative saying the CBO’s estimates prove that Republicans can lower the ACA’s “ballooning” premiums.

5. Mr. Ryan downplayed the CBO’s estimates that 23 million would lose coverage, writing it off as “CBO analysts … guessing at how states and customers would react.”

6. The Washington Times reports that a Quinnipiac University poll stated citizens were 41 percent less likely to vote for an elected official who supported the AHCA.

More articles on coding, billing and collections:
Remaining insurer in 25 Missouri counties exits ACA marketplace
3 industry trends to hold true despite healthcare reform
Pain management in 2017: Tips for thriving despite the challenges

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