An analysis of health insurance coverage proposed by the House GOP to replace the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, shows that fewer Americans will receive health insurance coverage. That number would climb into the millions states the analysis, causing a 'disastrous' outcome for millions unable to afford health insurance coverage. In addition, the GOP House plan also has some land mines, possibly unintended, but nevertheless significant.
The plan would alter the individual market with "less federal funding" which in turn will expose consumers to higher out-of-pocket costs.
The GOP argument has been that the cost of health insurance coverage under Obamacare is too expensive. This analysis of the plan, conducted by the health research firm of Avalere Health and the consulting firm McKinsey and Company, shows a significant increase in costs for the consumers. The analysis was prepared for the National Governors Association and was presented to them this past Saturday.
Medicaid would shift to a 'block grant' to the states under the GOP plan
The changes in the Medicaid funding for the states will force them to shift more people into the individual market. One of the basics of the plan is switching from income-based tax credits (helping poor people) to an age-based tax credit giving all the same amount regardless of income, creating a disparity in health coverage, according to Vox.com's coverage of the analysis.
Leaked report suggests millions could lose coverage under GOP health proposal https://t.co/7fTZXuVg2D
— Vox (@voxdotcom) February 25, 2017
Avalere estimates the GOP House proposal will convert Medicaid into a “block grant” and cut the program’s funding significantly. “I heard some very disturbing information,” said Gov. Jay Inslee, a Democrat from the state of Washington, in reference to issues such as the proposal of Medicaid block grants.
“We’re going to have to make sure that does not happen.” However, many GOP governors are uncertain which way to go on the issue of "block grants" replacing the current Medicaid funding system.
Leaked GOP docs show governors’ health care demands https://t.co/dhUCWLDWl2
— Vox (@voxdotcom) February 25, 2017
GOP makes the well-worn argument that doctors will not see Medicaid patients
Gov.
Matt Bevin, a Republican from Kentucky, makes the argument that coverage alone is not good enough. Like some Republicans, he argues that doctors will not see these patients anyway even with an insurance card, presumably because they will not accept a lower fee for their services. That has not been proven since the implementation of the law. Republicans have also made the unproven argument that doctors are leaving their practices because of Obamacare. Those Republicans do not support that claim with the data.
