Iowa Sen. Ernst hopes, but isn’t sure, health bill has vote
"If it's brought up, I hope we have the votes to pass it," Ernst told reporters after a meeting with constituents in northern
"And if it fails, it fails," she said, with hint of resignation in her voice, though looking ahead to tax legislation and dealing with the status of immigrants brought to
Republican leaders hope to push the latest
The bill would let states set their own coverage requirements, allow insurers to boost prices on people with serious medical conditions, end Obama's mandates that most Americans buy insurance and that companies offer coverage to workers, and cut and reshape Medicaid.
Ernst spent an hour in a small-town high school auditorium fielding questions and protests from constituents concerned about the
"It seems like it's a political push right now,"
Shupe's observation reflected comments made by Ernst's
Grassley also said he doubted the bill had the requisite 50 votes to pass. The
Ernst had been part of a bipartisan group led by Republican Sen.
And while Ernst said she had been encouraged by the talks, she blamed
Although the hour-long meeting was civil,
"You can't continually blame the
Not all the comments were on health care.
Many in the audience of more than 100 complained that the bill would put people with pre-existing medical conditions at risk. Ernst had said in May that the law's protection for people with existing medical conditions was "the one thing we can keep."
She argued Thursday the bill being discussed would protect such people by allowing states to create high-risk patient pools. "That's why I point out state innovation."
"They would have to prove to the HHS secretary that not only is it accessible to those with preexisting conditions, but it remains affordable," she said.
The bill does say that coverage must remain "adequate and affordable" for those with pre-existing conditions. But because those terms are not defined, critics fear that insurers could jack up prices beyond many people's ability to pay.
Pager and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Collaborate to Improve Access to Care
Brady Risk Management continues expansion with Brady Risk New England
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News