Perspectives: GOP’s Newly Passed Bill Is Even More Cruel Than The Original
California columnists and others reflect on the Republicans' American Health Care Act, which is headed to the Senate after narrowly passing the House.
Los Angeles Times:
All The Horrific Details Of The GOP's New Obamacare Repeal Bill: A Handy Guide
Republicans in the House say they have the votes to pass the American Health Care Act, a measure that will repeal the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. The vote is scheduled for Thursday. We analyzed the AHCA in March, when the original version was scheduled for a vote that eventually was canceled. The new version is appreciably worse. Like the original, it threatens the health coverage of more than 24 million Americans but includes provisions that are even crueler. Here’s a handy guide to the worst elements of a nasty bill that will harm you and your neighbors. (Michael Hiltzik, 5/4)
Sacramento Bee:
New GOP Health Care Reform Proposal Is A Puzzle. Where Do People With Pre-Existing Conditions Fit In?
The Republican plan is a far cry from what Trump promised Americans – affordable, high-quality coverage for all. If it becomes law, it will be a medical and financial disaster. People with serious conditions, but no insurance coverage, will live shorter and sicker lives, face financial distress and often be forced into bankruptcy. (Drew Halfmann, 5/2)
Los Angeles Times:
Rohrabacher And Walters Betrayed O.C. By Voting For American Health Care Act
This is an open letter to U.S. Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) and Mimi Walters (R-Irvine). I am your constituent, Rep. Rohrabacher, and I study medicine at UC Irvine in your district, Rep. Walters. You both just ignored my voice and the voices of my family, my neighbors, my classmates and the entire medical community by voting for millions of Americans to lose health insurance with the passage of the AHCA, the American Health Care Act. (Kara Percival, 5/4)
Los Angeles Times:
The GOP Insists Its Healthcare Bill Will Protect People With Pre-Existing Conditions. It Won't
About half of American adults under age 65 have at least one preexisting medical condition, by the federal government’s count. According to a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis, more than half of those adults could have been denied coverage by health insurers in the days before Obamacare if they weren’t included in a large employer’s plan. (5/4)
San Jose Mercury News:
Why Senate Should Reject House Health Care Bill
The health care bill narrowly approved by Republicans Thursday in the House is a disaster, not only for California but also for all 50 states. It has more fatal flaws than Donald Trump has hotels. The Senate should reject it out of hand and insist the House start over on a plan that could actually improve on our health care system. (5/4)