Graham-Cassidy isn’t ObamaCare repeal, but revisions will make it palatable

[Free Vulcan]

The Senate appears to be moving closer to a vote next week on the amendment offered by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), with only days left to pass a health insurance reform bill through reconciliation.

Two committees will also hold hearings on the amendment, achieving something similar to the “regular order” demanded by some Republicans, including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

There are several provisions of Graham-Cassidy that conservatives can embrace. The amendment increases the maximum allowable contribution for health savings accounts (HSAs) and allows individuals to pay for their health insurance coverage out of their HSA. It also modernizes Medicaid, putting the more than 50-year-old program on a budget and limiting its annual growth.

Still, Graham-Cassidy is not ObamaCare repeal, nor does it represent the true principles of federalism. But it is the last serious opportunity for health insurance reform under reconciliation, which allows the Senate to bypass the filibuster. After more than seven years of promises, this amendment is the last hope.

Read more at: http://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/351735-graham-cassidy-isnt-obamacare-repeal-but-revisions-will-make-it-palatable

[Free Vulcan]

I think the bill is a crap shoot. Giving it to the states and out of the hands of federal day-to-day management is good, getting rid of the mandate and penalty is good. Keeping all the regulations is bad.

However, if the states were to apply pressure, there could be changes made to allow states to reciprocally sell insurance across state lines, paying all health care premiums and expenses pre-tax, not requiring companies to carry pre-existing conditions, etc., it might ultimately be a good thing. It won't be up front though.