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Wednesday, Sep 20 2017

Full Issue

Cassidy Got Credit For Coining 'The Jimmy Kimmel Test' But TV Host Says Senator Has Failed His Promise

Jimmy Kimmel made headlines during the Republicans' summer push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with his story about what his son has gone through with his medical treatment.

In May, late-night host Jimmy Kimmel聽delivered an emotional monologue聽as he revealed that his newborn son, Billy, was born with a heart defect that required immediate surgery. The operation was successful, but Kimmel was deeply shaken by the experience, which聽happened amid the debate over replacing the Affordable Care Act.聽Kimmel delivered a passionate plea about the astronomical costs of health care:聽鈥淣o parent should ever have to decide if they can afford to save their child鈥檚 life.鈥 (Yahr, 9/20)

"A few months ago after my son had open heart surgery, which was something I spoke about on the air, a senator named Bill Cassidy from Louisiana was on my show and he wasn鈥檛 very honest. It seemed like he was being honest," Kimmel said. "Bill Cassidy just lied to my face," Kimmel said a few moments later. (Gmelich, 9/20)

鈥淵our child with the pre-existing condition will get the care he needs if 鈥 and only if 鈥 his father is Jimmy Kimmel. Otherwise, you might be screwed,鈥 Kimmel said, drawing laughs from the audience. He went on to say how Cassidy had in the past promised coverage for all, no discrimination based on preexisting conditions, lower premiums for middle-class families and no life-time caps. (Conradis, 9/19)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
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