The Senate is expected to release its version of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) on Thursday or Friday of this week, with the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score to be issued next Monday.
SDAHO is asking members to reach out to Sen. John Thune and Sen. Mike Rounds to share concerns related to problematic provisions in the House version. If you haven’t already done so, please take this opportunity to click on the link to send your message.
The Senate has not yet released a draft of its bill, but it is believed to include:
- Consumer protections with the community ratings because of concern for those with pre-existing conditions
- Flexibility for states regarding Essential Health Benefits (EHBs)
- Additional dollars for exchanges to help with tax credits for individuals
- Provisions to help stabilize the insurance marketplace
- A phased-down approach to states that expand Medicaid. (Sen. McConnell would prefer a three-year phased-down period; other senators would like to see a five- or seven-year period)
The Senate is expected to hold a cloture vote next Wednesday which, if successful, would set up an AHCA vote on Friday, June 30. Under reconciliation, the bill requires a simple majority (51 votes) for passage.
At this time, approximately 12 and 15 centrist senators still have concerns with the bill. In addition, there are three to four senators who are leaning more toward the provisions in the House version of the bill.
