Congress analyst millions to lose coverage under gop bill
You're referring to the recent controversy surrounding the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by the Republican-led Congress.
According to various reports, including those from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, millions of Americans could lose health insurance coverage if the proposed changes are implemented.
Here are some key points:
- CBO estimates: The CBO estimates that the proposed changes would lead to 14 million fewer people having health insurance coverage by 2025, compared to current law.
- Kaiser Family Foundation analysis: The Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed the proposed changes and found that:
- 12.2 million people would lose Medicaid coverage by 2025.
- 3.4 million people would lose coverage through the individual market (i.e., the health insurance marketplaces).
- 1.4 million people would lose coverage through their employers.
- Reasons for loss of coverage: The proposed changes would:
- Repeal the individual mandate, which would likely lead to a sicker and less healthy pool of people remaining in the individual market, causing premiums to increase.
- Cut funding for Medicaid expansion, which would lead to states reducing their Medicaid rolls.
- Allow states to opt out of Medicaid expansion, which would also lead to a reduction in coverage.
- Reduce funding for cost-sharing reduction (CSR) subsidies, which help low-income individuals afford health insurance.
- Consequences: The loss of coverage would likely lead to:
- Increased financial burdens on individuals and families.
- Reduced access to healthcare services, including preventive care and treatment for chronic conditions.
- Potential increases in mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as low-income individuals, minorities, and those with pre-existing conditions.
It's essential to note that these estimates and analyses are based on current proposals and may change as the legislative process evolves. However, the potential consequences of these changes are significant, and it's crucial to consider the impact on millions of Americans who rely on the ACA for their healthcare coverage.