The future of the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passing in the U.S. House in its current form is diminishing quickly, at least for this week. And without protections for those with "pre-existing conditions," the chances of its passage are nearly zero. Moderates in the House of Representatives with tough challenges in 2018, just do not want to go there and risk reelection.

Vox.com's Sarah Kliff is reporting that the fading hopes for the passing of the AHCA in the House have been dashed, as a key player confirmed he will vote "no." Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, the former chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, officially said so during a local radio interview with Gary Stevens & Mary Ellen Murphy on "WHTC Morning News," a regular weekly gig for Rep.

Upton. He followed up with a statement posted on twitter by Sarah Kliff.

Rep. Fred Upton cites 'zero' chances of AHCA passing in the Senate

In his statement, Rep. Upton believes that the U.S. Senate would never pass a bill with a provision that effectively guts the "pre-existing conditions" clause of Obamacare. The AHCA essentially allows the states the option of not guaranteeing health care coverage for "pre-existing conditions" and also allows premiums to skyrocket in such cases, in particular, for cancer patients.

GOP House moderates balk at eliminating 'pre-existing conditions'

States would be allowed to opt out of the new rules on "pre-existing conditions" if that state establishes a high-risk pool.

But House moderates like Rep. Upton are unpersuaded this would adequately protect the health insurance policyholders. The essential issue for moderates like Rep. Upon is that there is a potential for highers costs, while still maintaining coverage.

He has also authored a bill to overhaul Medicare payments to doctors and was instrumental in the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act.

The latter bill passed in a bipartisan manner in the Senate by a vote of 94 to 5 and by a margin of 392 to 26 in the House.

In order for the AHCA to have a chance and bring in moderates, the clause protecting against "pre-existing conditions" would have to be strengthened. However, the House would then lose the Freedom Caucus.

The brunt of the problem for Republicans is that the charging higher premiums to sick people have become "unacceptable" for many Republicans, moderate and conservative.

The other issue is stiff opposition to the AHCA from influential groups like the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, and AARP.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED