Latest GOP Defector Deals A Major Blow To Health Bill Already On Shaky Ground
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) saying he can't vote for the Republican's Obamacare-replacement plan, as it stands, gives centrists cover to be more vocal about their concerns. Upton says he's crafting an amendment. Meanwhile, House leadership is scrambling to whip up votes as President Donald Trump continues to press hard to get something passed. Media outlets report on the state of negotiations and where lawmakers stand.
The New York Times:
G.O.P. Scrambles As A Crucial Voice Shuns The Latest Health Bill
Representative Fred Upton of Michigan was only the latest Republican defector, but he carries more sway than most. The former chairman of one of the House committees that drafted the American Health Care Act, as the Republicans call their measure, Mr. Upton said the latest version of the health care bill “torpedoes” protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions. (Kaplan and Pear, 5/2)
The Associated Press:
A Way Forward On Health Care Bill? Key GOP Rep Has $8B Plan
Top House Republicans scrambling to prevent another collapse of their push to repeal much of the Obama health care law may have found a way to win over some moderate GOP holdouts. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., an influential centrist who'd initially announced opposition to his party's health care bill, said he's crafting an amendment with the backing of party leaders that could gain crucial support for the languishing measure. (Fram, 5/3)
The Wall Street Journal:
GOP’s Health-Bill Woes Show New Power Of Party’s Centrist Wing
Mr. Upton’s opposition expanded political cover for centrists to oppose the bill, including some facing tough re-election battles in swing districts. In recent years, many of these lawmakers have complained that House leaders were catering too much to the party’s conservative faction. The show of defiance suggested that GOP leaders may not be able to count on the cooperation of their centrist flank on upcoming bills that could prove just as thorny as the health measure, including the president’s plan to overhaul the tax code. (Peterson and Armour, 5/2)
The Washington Post:
Preexisting Conditions: How ACA Coverage Would Change Under The House GOP Plan
In an impassioned monologue, late-night TV show host Jimmy Kimmel talked Monday about how Congress might change insurance rules for individuals with preexisting medical conditions, like his newborn son. The boy was born 10 days ago with a heart defect. Here’s the difference between provisions of the Affordable Care Act and what House Republicans propose to do. (Eilperin, 5/2)
The Wall Street Journal:
Jimmy Kimmel’s Tearful Monologue On Son’s Heart Condition Roils Health Debate
Former President Barack Obama, 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer have said Mr. Kimmel’s story shows the ACA and its protections for people with pre-existing conditions should be preserved. Republicans have argued their current bill would maintain such protections and that critics are portraying it in an inaccurate negative light. Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh, who is now a conservative talk radio host, on Tuesday wrote on Twitter: “Got a big problem with ‘we need gov-run healthcare cuz of my sad story.’” (Hackman, 5/2)
Politico:
No Good GOP Options If Obamacare Repeal Fails
If their latest Obamacare repeal efforts fail, Republicans really have only a few options. And each means political peril for President Donald Trump and Republican congressional leaders. (Cancryn and Demko, 5/3)
Meanwhile —
The Wall Street Journal:
Aetna To Pull Back Further From Health Exchanges
Aetna Inc. will again scale back its presence in the Affordable Care Act exchanges in 2018, saying it expects losses on the business this year despite sharply reduced enrollment in its individual plans. (Wilde Mathews and Moise, 5/2)