Senate Democrats have introduced legislation, S.2556, that would repeal the health care cuts, including those to Medicaid, that were enacted this past July in the tax and spending cuts reconciliation bill. S.2556 would also permanently extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits.
The bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and cosponsored by all Senate Democrats, was introduced on August 4, the 60th anniversary of the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid.
The health cut provisions in the tax/spending cuts reconciliation bill, along with the looming expiration of the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, have been projected to cause loss of health insurance coverage for some 15 million Americans. The cuts were scored as raising almost $1 trillion in savings. Republican supporters of the new law say the cuts do not impact individuals who are U.S. citizens—they make Medicare and Medicaid available only to those who are/should be eligible for the program, supporters say. Generally, the cuts impact State rules on eligibility, thus setting up the need for State action in many if not most States.
Prospects: There is little to no chance that this Congress, which is under total Republican control, will act on S.2556. However, there is some possibility that lawmakers will consider extension of the expiring enhanced ACA premium tax credits later this year.
NAIFA Staff Contacts: Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org; or Mike Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org.