CBO releases score of Senate health bill

The Better Care Reconciliation Act would result in 22 million more people uninsured in 2026 and cut $772 billion in federal spending from the Medicaid program from 2017-2026, according to an analysis released today by the Congressional Budget Office, the non-partisan federal agency that produces independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the congressional budget process. “This latest CBO estimate only reinforces our deep concerns about the importance of maintaining coverage for those vulnerable patients who need it,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. In addition, Senate leaders today released a new discussion draft that made several technical amendments to the BCRA, and included a new provision that would require consumers whose coverage lapses for 63 days or more to wait six months before enrolling in new coverage. This provision is intended to encourage individuals to enroll in and maintain coverage in place of the individual mandate.