Politics

What You Will Lose

Chicago Tribune, “Elements of the proposal, which was kept under lock and key last week — have been dribbling out for a few days. The text of the bill encompassing the GOP plan validates much of that reporting. On the whole, however, it’s a nastier, more consumer-unfriendly proposal than even close followers could have expected.”[1]

Caregivers will lack insurance

The Hill, “Among America’s working poor are a vast workforce of paid caregivers—nearly 5 million nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care aides who provide daily supports to older Americans and people living with disabilities. These workers assist with bathing, dressing, mobility, and meal preparation, among other important activities. The work, which is mostly done by women and people of color, is physically and emotionally demanding, yet not highly valued in our economy. Many of these workers live on the edge of poverty, with annual earnings averaging $16,500. For many of these low-wage workers, access to health care coverage was an ongoing struggle—until the Affordable Care Act (ACA).”[2]

Many States will be Forced To Stop Health Coverage for Thousands

Los Angeles Times, “The GOP alternative would undo the requirement that everyone have insurance and change how subsidies are offered through the state’s insurance marketplace, Covered California. But the biggest impact would likely be on the state’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, which provides coverage to more than a third of California’s residents.”[3]

Slams Women the Most

Thousands of people, especially women, will lose their healthcare because of defunding of Planned Parenthood.[1]

Personal and employer mandates are gone. [1]

Healthcare will vary by state, leaving the poor, seniors and the sick at risk if they travel.[1]

The Rich Will Become Richer

NBC News, “House Republicans have produced real legislation to replace Barack Obama’s 2010 health-care law. That’s the good news for them — and it eliminates a long-standing Democratic talking point that the GOP hasn’t offered a real alternative to the law. The bad news for them is that their bill faces four obstacles, the biggest of which divide conservative and more moderate Republicans.”[4]

Obamacare’s taxes are repealed.  The rich have now just become very rich or richer.[1]

References:

1. The Chicago Tribune, March 7, 2017, Michael Hiltzik – The GOP’s Obamacare repeal plan is out — and it’s even worse than anyone expected
2. The Hill, March 7, 2017, Daniel R. Wilson – What will older Americans do if their paid caregivers lack health insurance?
3. Los Angeles Times, March 7, 2017, Soumya Karlamangla – Millions of Californians would likely lose health coverage under GOP’s Obamacare replacement, experts say
4. NBC News, March 7, 2017, Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Carrie Dann – GOP’s Obamacare Replacement Plan Faces Four Big Obstacles