Latest Obamacare repeal bid draws partisan fire

Reactions to the most recent proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, known as the Cassidy-Graham plan, is split largely along party lines with Democrats opposing the legislation and Republicans saying they are watching and evaluating it closely.

Sponsored by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Lindsey O. Graham, R-S.C., the bill would cause health care premiums in Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties to increase by $900 to $1,099, according to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa.

Others who oppose the measure say the bill would rely on block grants and would create measures to reduce Medicaid spending by shifting funds among states.

The individual mandate from the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, would be removed, as would employer mandates and cost-sharing subsidies. Over the next decade, it is anticipated to decrease federal funding by $215 billion. It would also allow states to drop protections against those with pre-existing conditions.

It could be voted on in the Senate by the end of next week.

In Delaware County, U.S. Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-7 of Chadds Ford, continues to study the legislation.

His spokesman, John Elizandro, said, “He’s in the process of reviewing it with our staff, lis-

tening to input from his constituents, and awaiting any possible amendment process in the Senate to see what form the legislation will actually take should it be considered by the House.”

Lauryn Schothorst, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6, of West Goshen, spoke for him.

“The Senate hasn’t finished writing the bill yet, but during multiple town halls with constituents and media interviews over the last several months, Congressman Costello has been clear and consistent about his criteria for any healthcare reform legislation,” she said.

“He wants to see protections for those with pre-existing conditions without contingency and access to affordable coverage for every American,” Schothorst continued. “The congressman will be watching the Senate’s work closely and reviewing any bill that comes to the House with these principles in mind.”

Both Meehan and Costello voted against a previous Obamacare repeal bill when it came to the floor of the House.

Kasia Mulligan, spokeswoman for U.S. Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., said, “Sen. Toomey and staff are in the midst of reviewing the bill.”

Casey, however, has seen enough to form an opinion.

“This latest scheme is the most offensive yet,” the Democrat said. “These data show that every county in Pennsylvania could see costs rise if this bill becomes law. Many communities across the commonwealth could see premium increases over $1,000 per year.”

He added that the Century Foundation determined that the bill was the worst proposal regarding the increasing number of uninsured Americans, reductions of patient protections and shifting costs to states.

Meehan’s potential challengers shared similar sentiments to Casey.

“Health care is a human right,” said state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17 of Lower Merion. Leach is vying for Meehan’s seat, along with several other Democrats.

Leach continued, “The Graham-Cassidy health care bill is a moral abomination and an even bigger disaster for Pennsylvania families than the Trumpcare bill Rep. Meehan voted for in committee and the ACA repeals he has voted for over 50 times in Congress.

“Under Graham-Cassidy, Pennsylvania would lose about $15 billion in federal healthcare spending by 2027,” he said. “Now is the time for Congress to act to improve the ACA, not tear down the fundamental structure that has allowed for millions of Americans to get healthcare in a cynical attempt to undermine the ACA to increase profits for health insurance companies.”

CJ Warnke, a spokesman for another Democratic hopeful, Drew McGinty, also ripped the proposal.

“Drew has 22 years of experience in health care and this bill hurts Pennsylvanians,” he said. “Sen. Cassidy and Sen. Graham have provided little to no evidence that more Americans will be covered under the new bill and millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions are also at risk.

“We’re actively encouraging Sens. Toomey and Casey to vote no on the bill,” Warnke said. “If it reaches the House and Pat Meehan votes yes, there will be hell to pay and the voters will absolutely remember this.”

Chrissy Houlahan, a Democratic candidate in the 6th congressional district, voiced her opposition.

“This bill would result in higher premiums, greatly destabilize our insurance markets and kick millions off their health care, including veterans, children and seniors,” she said. “Pennsylvania families cannot afford this and our commonwealth would lost about $15 billion in federal healthcare funding by 2027.

“Rep. Costello,” Houlahan asked, “will you stand with your constituents in Pennsylvania in opposition to this dangerous bill?”