HEALTHCARE/OBAMACARE(ACA)/POLITICS/PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS: “Republican senators are likely to keep a key Obamacare provision intended for people with pre-existing conditions as they craft their bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
The move, however, could infuriate conservatives in their own ranks and set up a showdown with the House of Representatives, perhaps endangering the entire repeal effort.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says a vote is possible by July 4.
According to Senate GOP aides familiar with negotiations, Republican leaders don’t want to let states opt out of what is known as community rating — a provision that blocks insurance companies from charging people more based on their medical history. It’s one of the most popular aspects of Obamacare.
Senators, however, are still expected to allow states to waive Obamacare’s essential health benefits mandate, which requires insurers to cover key medical services like prescription drugs, maternity and mental health care.”
-Lauren Fox, “Pre-existing conditions could split Senate GOP,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, June 7, 2017 06:00am