Though On Vacation From Capitol Hill, Lawmakers Contemplate Health Care Legislative Strategies
Congressional Republican leaders are in talks about legislation to stabilize the Obamacare insurance marketplaces -- with both sides eyeing how to use the measure to their advantage. Meanwhile, conservatives still hope to bring back a repeal effort when they return to work in September. Also, because GOP efforts to undo Obamacare taxes fell through, insurers and devicemakers could pay a price. And on another issue, right-to-try legislation passed in the Senate could face a slower go in the House.
The Hill:
Conservative Chairman In Talks About ObamaCare Stabilization Deal
Reps. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.) are in talks for a bill that would stabilize ObamaCare markets. The measure would fund key ObamaCare payments known as cost-sharing reductions, possibly in exchange for expanded flexibility favored by conservatives for states to waive ObamaCare regulations through broadening an existing provision known as 1332 waivers. (Sullivan, 8/11)
The Hill:
Democrats See ObamaCare Leverage In Spending Fights
House Democrats want to use the looming battle over government spending and raising the debt limit as leverage to shore up ObamaCare. The minority party believes Republicans will need their votes on the critical fiscal issues, and they think they can secure concessions on healthcare. (Lillis, 8/13)
The Washington Post:
House Conservatives Hope To Revive Obamacare Repeal Vote
Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus want to seize control of the health-care debate by petitioning Republicans to hold a vote on a version of a repeal bill that passed the House in 2015. Conservatives say they believe a repeal measure can pass without a replacement, despite warnings from Ryan and other leaders that the votes aren’t there. The long-shot effort gained momentum last week with support from influential outside groups. (Snell, 8/13)
Bloomberg:
Health Insurers Struggle To Win Reprieve Of Obamacare Tax
Health insurers won a victory in 2015 when a tax that was part of the Affordable Care Act was suspended. Now as they fight to repeal or delay the tax again before it comes back into effect, the odds don’t seem to be in their favor. Insurers, businesses and conservative groups are scrambling for ways to at least delay the health-insurance tax, or HIT, following the collapse of health-care legislation in July. They seemed poised for victory just a few months ago, when the health-insurance fee, and most of the other levies enacted to help fund Obamacare, were targeted in repeal bills passed by House Republicans and considered by Senate Republicans. (Brody, 8/11)
The Associated Press:
Health Care Divide Leaves Tax On Path To Reinstatement
The industry that makes medical devices from artificial hips to miniature pumps for IV drips is looking for a fallback plan to repeal a widely reviled sales tax that almost met its end in GOP health care legislation. The 2.3 percent excise, one of several taxes and fees in the Affordable Care Act that pay for expanded insurance coverage, has been the subject of ferocious lobbying by manufacturers seeking its permanent death. Yet for now it's on track to be reinstated on Jan. 1 after a two-year hiatus, leaving industry leaders worried it will hurt employment and stifle development of innovative, even lifesaving products. (Salsberg, 8/13)
Roll Call:
‘Right To Try’ Bill Could Face Slower Action In House
A Senate-passed bill intended to help dying patients access experimental drugs will likely face lengthier deliberations in the House. While the Senate fast-tracked the bill on Aug. 3, the House will likely subject it to a hearing and markup before bringing it up to a vote, according to congressional aides and a lobbyist. (Siddons, 8/14)