Health Debate Stakeholders Like Trump, Ryan And Kochs Have A Lot To Lose
Key players in the future of the American Health Care Act put political capital and money on the line to ensure their desired outcome of today's expected vote.
Los Angeles Times:
Trump's Awkward Alliance With Ryan Faces Biggest Test. Will Healthcare Vote Bind Or Push Them Apart?
The two are not natural allies, something that was clear during the presidential campaign. As any number of Trump controversies swirled, particularly those that raised questions about the nominee’s temperament and judgment, Ryan (R-Wis.) did his best to keep his party’s standard bearer at arm’s length. But they began working closely after Trump’s victory in November to set a strategy for their legislative agenda. Healthcare was the first big item — the bill that would fulfill a central campaign promise for the GOP and open the way to other priorities, including a major tax cut. (Bierman and Memoli, 3/22)
The Hill:
GOP Rep: Trump Could Be 'One-Term President' If Healthcare Bill Passes
A Republican member of the House is warning President Trump that his first term in office could be his last if the GOP's current healthcare measure becomes law. During an appearance on CNN Wednesday night, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) said that the plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act will only become less popular over time, further degrading its already tepid support. (Greenwood, 3/22)
The Associated Press:
Republicans Rebelling Against Health Care Risk Trump's Wrath
Hard-line House Republicans considering voting against the House GOP health bill are bracing for payback from a president who claims his favorite biblical passage is "an eye for an eye." Many appear ready to risk it. (Lemire, 3/22)
CNN:
Kochs Pledge Millions To GOPers In 2018 -- If They Vote No On Health Care Bill
In a last-minute effort to sink the Republican health care bill, a powerful network of conservative donors said Wednesday it would create a new fund for Republican 2018 reelection races -- but they'll only open it up to GOPers who vote against the bill. (Schleifer, 3/23)
Politico:
White House Shift To Right On Health Care Angers Moderates
The Republican push to replace Obamacare — backed forcefully by President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan — is in jeopardy, as a last-ditch bid by the White House to win conservative support late Wednesday appeared to repel moderates. Moderate Republicans huddled with Speaker Paul Ryan and House leaders for nearly two hours Wednesday night but emerged without consensus. Immediately after exiting the meeting, Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), leader of the House’s moderate Tuesday Group, panned the bill, known as the American Health Care Act. (Cheney, Bade and Bresnahan, 3/22)
The New York Times:
As Rivals Stand Silent, One Health Insurer Protests G.O.P. Plan
In recent weeks, Dr. J. Mario Molina has anxiously approached lawmakers on Capitol Hill and governors across the country, warning them that the Republican efforts to overhaul the health care system could be devastating for insurers and patients alike. As head of the California company founded by his father, Dr. Molina has become one of the few insurance executives publicly criticizing the House bill, which he believes could strip away coverage for millions of their clients and cause considerable turmoil for the insurance industry. The major insurers have mostly stayed silent during the debate, supporting some of the Republicans’ provisions that promise near-term stability for the insurance exchanges and a repeal of a tax on health insurance. (Abelson, 3/22)
Fresno Bee:
Fresno Doctors Say Don't Rush The American Health Care Act
So far, the American Medical Association and the California Medical Association have voiced concerns about the American Health Care Act, also called Trumpcare, and how it could affect access to doctors. But doctors have long complained about Obamacare, as many call the Affordable Care Act. Finding physicians who accept the insurance has been difficult in the central San Joaquin Valley for lower-income patients under the expanded Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) portion of the law, and also for people buying private health plans through Covered California, the state’s health insurance exchange. (Anderson, 3/23)
The Associated Press:
A Winner In GOP Plans To Repeal Obamacare: Tanning Salons
As Republicans try to shore up support for their health care overhaul, one group can't wait for the replacement: owners of tanning salons. (Kennedy, 3/23)