HEALTHCARE/OBAMACARE(ACA)/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “The Senate this week will grapple with President Donald Trump’s decision to stop making subsidy payments to health insurers, with lawmakers seeking a deal that would keep the money flowing while Republicans try to fold in conservative-oriented health-care priorities…
The result, driven by unexpectedly far-reaching moves by Mr. Trump on health care last week, could be a resumption or even escalation of the legislative battle that unfolded during Republicans’ attempts to repeal the 2010 Affordable Care Act. It comes as insurers press some state and federal officials to let them reset their rates for 2018 in light of the halting of the subsidies, while one state, Oregon, already has told insurers to jack up rates for their most popular plans.
On Monday, Mr. Trump is meeting with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) to discuss budget and tax issues, with health care also a possible topic.
Mr. Trump met Saturday with Mr. Alexander, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) said on CBS , and he encouraged Mr. Alexander to pursue his deal, Mr. Graham said.
The “cost-sharing reduction” payments ended last week by Mr. Trump help insurers offset subsidies to low-income Americans. Many Republicans, fearing chaos in the insurance market if the payments stop, want to extend them as long as that is accompanied by moves such as relaxing regulations on some insurance plans.”
-Stephanie Armour and Kristina Peterson, “Health Care Back on Congress’s Front Burner,” The Wall Street Journal online, Oct. 15, 2017 04:31pm