California Republican Lawmakers Could Help Tip Scale Against GOP Plan
If enough vulnerable Republicans defect, the House leaders may not be able to push their plan through their chamber. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Times readers weigh in on the American Health Care Act.
Los Angeles Times:
Vulnerable California Republicans Find Themselves At Center Of Healthcare Bill Persuasion Efforts
Seven California Republicans are among the 23 Republicans nationwide who represent House districts that chose Hillary Clinton for president. Now they find themselves at the center of the debate over the proposed House GOP healthcare bill. While Republicans hold a large majority in the House, more than two dozen GOP defectors would be enough to keep the bill from passing. (Wire, 3/15)
Los Angeles Times:
Our Readers Are Split On GOP Healthcare Plan
For the past several weeks, we've been asking people to grade President Trump on his performance and share their stories of how his presidency has affected them personally. The answers have varied greatly. Then last week, House Republicans released their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, and we received an overwhelming number of responses on the issue. Here's what some of you had to say. (Leu, 3/15)
And in other news —
Orange County Register:
More Than 2.5 Million Southern Californians May Lose Health Insurance Under GOP Plan
Many of the 2.5 million Southern California residents insured by Obamacare could lose coverage under the Republican replacement plan, local health experts say. The uninsured rate in California has reached a record low of 7 percent since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. In Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, about 674,025 people receive subsidized plans through Covered California, the state exchange, and 1.8 million through expanded Medi-Cal, known nationally as Medicaid. (Perkes, 3/15)
Fresno Bee:
Covered California Says AHCA Would Increase Premiums For Some
A House Republican plan to replace health insurance subsidies available through the Affordable Care Act with tax credits based solely on age could make coverage unaffordable to older and lower- to middle-income Californians, according to Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange. An analysis by Covered California said the proposed American Health Care Act would cut support to buy health insurance by 40 percent in 2020. “Providing 40 percent less funding means there will be less coverage,” said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California. “It means fewer Americans will be able to afford to purchase health insurance.” (Anderson, 3/15)