Senate Republicans Introduce New Obamacare Repeal Bill

Today, Republican Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Dean Heller (R-NV) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) released the text of a bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

The bill, H.R. 1628, would cost $1.2 trillion and would provide states with block grants instead of Obamacare's tax credits, Medicaid expansion and cost-sharing payments. It would also repeal the individual and employer mandates and the medical device tax.

The success of this bill remains unclear and many Senators have not indicated whether they support or oppose the new bill.  In order to pass with only a 50-vote majority, the bill would need to pass by the end of September.

Also today, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced a bill that would transform Medicare into a universal health insurance program, replacing nearly all existing health plans with a government-run version of Medicare.  With no Republican support, this legislation is not expected to advance.

Previously, all legislative efforts to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act were defeated in the Senate.  ASA physician leaders and staff will continue to provide updates on health care reform proposals.

Read the text of the legislation here