On Wednesday, Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut blasted President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans, pushing back against their claim that the latest GOP effort to repeal and replace ObamaCare includes protections for preexisting conditions.
“This is a lie. A horrible knowing fabrication,” Murphy tweeted Wednesday night. “The bill is intentionally constructed to force states to drop this protection.”
This is a lie. A horrible knowing fabrication. The bill is intentionally constructed to force states to drop this protection. https://t.co/t6z2bckyN5
— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) September 21, 2017
Murphy’s comments came after Trump tweeted he wouldn’t sign a healthcare bill if it didn’t include these protections.
“I would not sign Graham-Cassidy if it did not include coverage of pre-existing conditions,” Trump tweeted Wednesday night. “It does! A great Bill. Repeal & Replace.”
The proposal, sponsored by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), would largely dismantle ObamaCare and convert its funding to block grants that would be delivered to states, which could then spend the funding on their own health needs.
The debate over pre-existing conditions centers on a provision that allows states to waive an ObamaCare rule that prevents people with pre-existing condition from being charged higher premiums due to an illness. Critics of the bill argue that if states waived the rule, coverage could become unaffordable for people with pre-existing conditions.
The Senate could vote on the latest ObamaCare repeal and replace plan next week.
