Senators Working On Agreement For CSR Payments To Insurers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two leading senators say they have the "basic outlines" of a bipartisan deal to resume payments to health insurers that President Donald Trump has blocked. But Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander and Democrat Patty Murray say in brief interviews that they still have unresolved issues.

Alexander says the two bargainers are close to an agreement to continue federal subsidies to insurers for two years. Republicans want Congress to give states meaningful flexibility to ease coverage requirements under President Barack Obama's health care law.

Alexander says they still haven't agreed on what "meaningful" means.

The payments go to insurers for their costs for reducing out-of-pocket expenses for lower-earning customers.

Trump and many Republicans consider them bailouts to carriers. Insurers and others have warned premiums will rise unless the money is restored.