Key points in the Graham-Cassidy Bill
So we've heard a lot about the Graham-Cassidy bill, but what exactly does it entail for the American population? Well, there are four key points that really boil down the bill, but keep in mind that there are many more fine details not talked about here.
Pre-existing conditions: Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies could deny people based on pre-existing conditions. What the GOP bill does is that it gives the states power to waive that and it reverts the situation to pre-ACA. People with disabilities, cancer, chronic illnesses and more will no longer be able to afford insurance since prices will skyrocket for them.
Medicaid: The federal/state insurance program provides health care for a huge portion of the American population. With the proposed GOP bill, states get the power to deal with federal money. Also, the Medicaid funds will be cut down with time. This makes states like California and New York, states who have expanded their Medicaid programs, face huge cuts.
Essential Health Benefits: The ACA requires insurers to cover some Essential Health Benefits, such as maternity care, mental health, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency care, and children's health. The new bill gives states the option to opt-out of this responsibility. This affects insurances sold on the exchanges and employer-based coverage.
Uncertainty and Market Instability: Insurers are worried that they wouldn't have enough time to set rates for 2018. This worry has increased. There is a lack of clarification due to the current administration cutting advertising by 90%. Because of this, private insurers have had to step up and fill the gap.
Overall, we can infer that this bill would hand over most, if not all, of its power over to the states. The outcomes of this decision vary from people that you ask, but one thing is guaranteed: the states can't handle this complex hairball that the federal government might be throwing at them.
Pre-existing conditions: Before the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies could deny people based on pre-existing conditions. What the GOP bill does is that it gives the states power to waive that and it reverts the situation to pre-ACA. People with disabilities, cancer, chronic illnesses and more will no longer be able to afford insurance since prices will skyrocket for them.
Medicaid: The federal/state insurance program provides health care for a huge portion of the American population. With the proposed GOP bill, states get the power to deal with federal money. Also, the Medicaid funds will be cut down with time. This makes states like California and New York, states who have expanded their Medicaid programs, face huge cuts.
Essential Health Benefits: The ACA requires insurers to cover some Essential Health Benefits, such as maternity care, mental health, hospitalization, prescription drugs, emergency care, and children's health. The new bill gives states the option to opt-out of this responsibility. This affects insurances sold on the exchanges and employer-based coverage.
Uncertainty and Market Instability: Insurers are worried that they wouldn't have enough time to set rates for 2018. This worry has increased. There is a lack of clarification due to the current administration cutting advertising by 90%. Because of this, private insurers have had to step up and fill the gap.
Overall, we can infer that this bill would hand over most, if not all, of its power over to the states. The outcomes of this decision vary from people that you ask, but one thing is guaranteed: the states can't handle this complex hairball that the federal government might be throwing at them.
You've by now heard the good news, right? Relief! Thanks for sharing -- this is important legislation we need to keep speaking out about (against?) :)
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