Senate rejects 'skinny' ACA repeal bill

Senators early this morning voted 49-51 against a “skinny” bill to repeal parts of the Affordable Care Act. Three Republicans – Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John McCain (R-AZ) – opposed the bill. Senators earlier this week rejected two amendments – the Better Care Reconciliation Act, which would have repealed and replaced parts of the ACA, and the Obamacare Repeal Reconciliation Act, which would have repealed parts of the ACA without replacement. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has pulled repeal legislation from consideration after today’s vote. “From the outset of this process, we have remained consistent in our call for the protection of coverage, the protection of the Medicaid program, and the stabilization of the Health Insurance Marketplace,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack in a statement. “Our commitment to fighting for those critical objectives remains unchanged. The Senate’s vote provides not a victory for one side or a loss for the other, but rather a new opportunity to reset and regroup. Working together, both parties in both chambers, should utilize this opportunity to fix the very real problems facing our health care system. The result this morning shouldn’t mark the conclusion of the debate but should serve as a catalyst to restart it in a bipartisan manner. Ultimately, any changes to the Affordable Care Act must ensure the continuity of access and coverage for all who currently have it. We are hopeful that, as this process moves forward, lawmakers will demonstrate their determination to meet these standards that the American people both expect and deserve.”