While moderates are balking at deep cuts to Medicaid and to subsidies for individual market consumers, conservatives are seeking looser regulations for such policies that are sold on Obamacare’s exchanges.
Republican leaders are considering a provision proposed by Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, that a group of conservative GOP senators say could help gain their support. Cruz wants to allow insurers to offer cheap, bare-bones plans alongside those that meet the more comprehensive coverage requirements of Obamacare.
Critics in both parties say the proposal would essentially put people with pre-existing conditions in the Obamacare insurance pool and allow young, healthy people to buy cheaper plans in a separate pool. It also hasn’t been determined that such a provision can be considered under filibuster-busting procedures Republicans are using in the debate.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.