Charlie Baker: GOP health care plan will cost Massachusetts $1 billion

March 21--The President Trump-backed bill to replace Obamacare would cost the state at least $1 billion in federal aid by 2020, with billions more at risk beyond that, Gov. Charlie Baker warned members of the state delegation.

Baker, in a letter dated today, said his administration has analyzed the bill's impact following the Congressional Budget Office's own score of the so-called American Health Care Act, which Republicans have pitched as their replacement to the Affordable Care Act.

The Trump administration has played down the CBO's analysis, but Baker, in breaking with national Republicans and the president for whom he did not vote, said it is "broadly consistent with concerns we have raised" about the bill.

Baker estimates that it would cost the state at least $1 billion in reduced federal aid starting in 2020, another $1.3 billion in 2021 and $1.5 billion by 2022.

That figure in 2022 could crow to nearly $2 billion when counting another $475 million the state could lose in the potential elimination of so-called 1115 payments, which help cover other costs the Baker administration had negotiated in a waiver with the Obama administration.

In the years beyond that, Baker said he expects an even "greater annual impact."

"Overall, our analysis indicates that the AHCA would increasingly strain the fiscal resources necessary to support the Commonwealth's continued commitment to universal health care coverage," Baker wrote to the state's 11 members of the Congressional delegation.

In the two-page letter, Baker also reiterated his opposition to the bill's provision to stop Medicaid from reimbursing Planned Parenthood for medical services it provides. Baker has said he intends to fund the services with state dollars if the bill passes as is.

"Our administration will pursue additional flexibilities to stabilize our markets and ensure continued coverage for residents," Baker said, "and we urge you to support these efforts by leading discussions in Congress to ensure the people of Massachusetts continue to have access to a quality health care system."

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