Compare ACA Repeal & Replace

On May 4, 2017, in a 217-213 vote, the House of Representatives passed bill H.R. 1628, the “American Health Care Act” (AHCA), the bill to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. On June 22, 2017, Senate Republicans released their version, called the “Better Care Reconciliation Act” (BCRA). Drafted by Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Senate’s bill fate is unknown, as some senators remain uncommitted. Others have stated their opposition, including Senator Susan Collins (ME), who fear the widespread loss of constituent’s health coverage.

Four Republican senators have said they will not support the Senate bill without changes. Senators Rand Paul (KY), Mike Lee (UT), Ted Cruz (TX), and Ron Johnson (WI), oppose the bill as written, and in a joint statement released June 22, 2017 wrote:

“Currently, for a variety of reasons, we are not ready to vote for this bill, but we are open to negotiation and obtaining more information before it is brought to the floor. There are provisions in this draft that represent an improvement to our current health care system, but it does not appear this draft as written will accomplish the most important promise that we made to Americans: to repeal Obamacare and lower their health care costs.”

Last week, President Trump, who called the draft of the House replacement bill “mean,” tweeted his support of the Senate bill. However, on Monday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released their estimate that the Senate bill could add an additional 22 million to the uninsured roster by 2026. Although both sides of the aisle use CBO projections to their advantage, it remains to be seen whether or not the announcement will sway a decision, since the bill also estimates a ten-year $321 billion reduction in the federal deficit.

McConnell’s bill is being introduced through the process of reconciliation, which has strict requirements pertaining to provisions that affect the budget, and Republicans are working to ensure compliance with the complex regulations. For more information on maps comparing premiums and tax credits of the ACA, the AHCA, and the BCRA, click here.

Here’s a Quick Comparison of the Repeal and Replace bills under consideration to:

Current ACA: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA, ACA, Obamacare)

Proposed House Bill: American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA)

Proposed Senate Bill: Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) of 2017