Senate Blocks Attempt To Roll Back ACA Provision

The U.S. Senate rejected a Democratic attempt to roll back a Trump administration rule that would allow states to disregard part of the Affordable Care Act and permit the sale of what some call “junk insurance.”

On Wednesday, Senators voted 43-52 against the resolution that would overturn an administration rule that would permit states to opt out of certain requirements set forth in the ACA.

Democrats wanted to overturn an administration rule that makes it easier for states to opt out of certain ACA requirements and allows for the sale of cheaper, less-inclusive plans than ones offered under the ACA.

Some Democrats have termed the plans “junk insurance” because carriers can refuse to cover people with pre-existing conditions.

Republicans and the Trump administration have repeatedly said they will continue to advocate for ways to end the Affordable Care Act while protecting people with pre-existing conditions.

A federal circuit court in New Orleans is expected to rule shortly on an administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire health care law.