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Democrats Call for Full CBO Analysis of Graham-Cassidy
by Adriel Bettelheim Politico September 18, 2017
DEMOCRATS SEEK FULL ANALYSIS OF GRAHAM-CASSIDY: Democratic congressional leaders are demanding a thorough CBO analysis of the latest Republican effort to repeal Obamacare, a move that could potentially delay the legislation ahead of a critical Sept. 30 deadline.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi worry that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is requesting only a bare-bones analysis from budget scorekeepers. The goal of that approach is to meet the truncated timeline to consider the GOP proposal offered by Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) under budget reconciliation rules.
PROVIDER GROUPS BASH REPEAL BILL: Sixteen patient and provider groups came out in opposition to Graham-Cassidy this morning, in the most sweeping expression of opposition to date. The groups — including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, March of Dimes and National Organization for Rare Diseases — decried how the bill could limit Medicaid funding, potentially roll back Obamacare consumer protections and open the door to annual and lifetime coverage caps. They instead endorsed the bipartisan Senate talks led by Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray aimed at shoring up Obamacare markets.
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Senate Panel Plans Hearing On Health Block Grants
By Jennifer Haberkorn Politico September 18, 2017
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has planned a hearing for Sept. 26 on health care block grants, a clear reference to a key plank in the Graham-Cassidy health care plan.
Sen. Ron Johnson, who is a co-author of the Graham-Cassidy bill, leads the committee. He said last week he would hold a hearing on the bill if the Senate Finance or HELP committees don’t do so.
Sen. John McCain, who voted against the so-called “skinny” repeal plan, has said he wants to see “regular order” on Obamacare repeal.
The committee notice calls the hearing “Block Grants: How States Can Reduce Health Care Costs,” but provides no additional details on the content.