"Unworkable in any form"

The longer the Senate delays their TrumpCare vote, the more unpopular the bill becomes. Health insurance companies are speaking out against the latest version of the bill, sending a letter to Leader McConnell raising concerns about loss of coverage, a spike in premiums, and undercutting protections for those with pre-existing conditions. From Roll Call:

“Two of the nation’s largest health care insurance companies called on the Senate to strike an amendment by Sen. Ted Cruz to their health care bill, saying it would ‘undermine protections for those with pre-existing medical conditions.’”

“America’s Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said the [Cruz] proposal was ‘unworkable in any form.’ The health insurance companies sent a joint letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Friday afternoon expressing their concerns that people on the individual market would lose coverage and premiums would rise.”

“Prior to this letter, the two insurance groups expressed problems with the amendment in separate statements.”

“The condemnation comes as McConnell works to persuade both conservative and moderate Republicans to back his plan to repeal and replace President Obama’s 2010 signature healthcare law.”

“The letter from the health insurance companies said this consumer freedom provision would drive up premiums as healthier people move to less-regulated plans, while those with pre-existing conditions would continue needing the comprehensive plans. The two groups said middle-income families would be especially impacted because they don’t qualify for the tax-credits.”

“The amendment could raise premiums for 1.5 million people with pre-existing conditions, according to a report released last week by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation.”