GOP Healthcare Bill Unveiled; Big Impacts for California

Senate Republicans on Thursday (June 22) revealed draft language of a bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Better Care Reconciliation Act would be a significant departure from the ACA and would: eliminate the requirement that all Americans carry health insurance, phase out the Medicaid expansion by 2021, allow states to waive health plan minimums required by the ACA, reduce subsidies for those purchasing insurance on the individual market, and end tax increases put in place by the ACA to fund the coverage expansion. If passed, the bill would have far-reaching impacts on the state and regional health systems as well as on the economy, and as such, the Council continues to monitor Congressional efforts in this area. To engage in our healthcare policy work, please contact Bay Area Council Economic Institute President Micah Weinberg.