Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Health Care Groups Tell House Republicans That Revisions 'Make Bad Bill Even Worse'
The U.S.鈥檚 biggest groups representing doctors, hospitals and older Americans came out against changes聽Republicans have proposed to get their health-care bill more support from conservatives, saying the amendments make the proposal worse. The groups, which opposed the original GOP bill, said the alterations will make it harder for people with pre-existing conditions to buy coverage and will raise insurance costs for older Americans. (Edney, 4/27)
Leading healthcare and advocacy groups are urging Congress not to pass the revised Republican ObamaCare replacement bill, fearing that changes could harm those with pre-existing conditions. The American Hospital Association (AHA), American Medical Association (AMA) and American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) all denounced the revised bill on Thursday. The groups were already opposed to the American Health Care Act (AHCA), saying that millions would lose coverage, but raised new concerns about an amendment from Rep. Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.). (Sullivan, 4/27)
The White House and its House GOP allies are hoping to reschedule a vote on their overhaul plan in the coming days, following last month鈥檚 embarrassing retreat when the bill was pulled shortly before a vote. But they continue to refuse to reach out to Democrats. Even Senate Republicans have been largely sidelined, though their support will be crucial to putting a measure on Trump鈥檚 desk. And senior House Republicans and White House officials have almost completely shut out doctors, hospitals, patient advocates and others who work in the healthcare system, industry officials say, despite pleas from many healthcare leaders to seek an alternative path that doesn鈥檛 threaten protections for tens of millions of Americans. (Levey, 4/27)
