# The Repeal of Obamacare/ACA: Step-bystep, Inch-by-inch **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 2, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146 "2017-01-02T17:06:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 66
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2017, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1301 "2017-09-20T20:29:29Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > It is important that the correct procedures be followed, especially when you are determined to impose suffering, fear, and sickness upon millions of people. Gotta dot those i’s and cross those t’s, otherwise you can’t spell “diphtheria” or “typhoid”! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1302 "2017-09-20T20:32:27Z")
Nifty Catch-23. Blue states will lose a lot of funding for their expanded Medicaid, which will be showered upon the wise states who elected the correct Senators. So, what will “blue” states do? Most likely, they will try their best to shoulder the burden, as most of their citizens are Christian by action as well as by pretense. That will be difficult, some will fail, if not most, if not all. Then the Pubbies can crow about how “their” policies have the better results, that Obamacare is to blame for the suffering they gleefully imposed. And roughly thirty percent of our people will swallow it whole. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1303 "2017-09-20T20:34:43Z")
There are three men in the health care debate I truly despise: Bill Cassidy, Tom Price, and Avik Roy. I keep hoping Avik Roy’s comments on GC will hurt the bill, and today he did a little op-ed about how the bill as it stands would help blue states set up single payer. Please, Baby Jesus, let Avik Roy hurt Bill Cassidy’s delusions of grandeur. I haven’t figure out how he can take down Price yet, but I think undercutting Cassidy would be so very very sweet. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1304 "2017-09-21T06:02:23Z")
So, Senator Chuck Grassley basically admitted today that the most important thing about the current repeal bill is that it would help the Republicans keep their campaign promises. That’s actually as important to him, he says, as the actual substance of the bill. Here’s the money quote: > [@](#): > > “You know, I could maybe give you 10 reasons why this bill shouldn’t be considered,” Grassley said. “But Republicans campaigned on this so often that you have a responsibility to carry out what you said in the campaign. That’s pretty much as much of a reason as the substance of the bill.” Today’s GOP in a nutshell right there. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1305 "2017-09-21T13:20:44Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > They can end the filibuster any time they choose. They don’t need a new parliamentarian. I see now that I forgot to add: McConnell is very reluctant to get rid of the legislative filibuster, and for good reason. He knows, even if some others in his party don’t, that the GOP won’t hold the Senate forever. So I don’t think they’ll eliminate it. This could be wishful thinking, of course, but I think it’s accurate. The Senate Finance committee is holding a “hearing” on Monday re: GC. They are accepting public comment, so there’s another way to get involved. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1306 "2017-09-21T14:48:16Z")
If you are not currently amazed at how flexible a thing “Public comment accepted” is, you will be very soon. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1307 "2017-09-21T14:58:33Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > If you are not currently amazed at how flexible a thing “Public comment accepted” is, you will be very soon. It’s not likely to sway anyone, but an outpouring won’t hurt. They have set up a senate mailbox for those who want to be included in the hearing record. Contact me for more information. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1308 "2017-09-21T15:09:55Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > The Senate Finance committee is holding a “hearing” on Monday re: GC. They are accepting public comment, so there’s another way to get involved. As far as i can tell from the [Hearing page](https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/hearing-to-consider-the-graham-cassidy-heller-johnson-proposal), you can only submit a statement by mail. They also say that statements must arrive “no later than two weeks following the conclusion of the hearing.” But in order to get this through, the vote itself would have to take place before that two-week period expires. Makes the commenting procedure somewhat moot, does it not? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1309 "2017-09-21T15:11:13Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > As far as i can tell from the [Hearing page](https://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/hearing-to-consider-the-graham-cassidy-heller-johnson-proposal), you can only submit a statement by mail. They also say that statements must arrive “no later than two weeks following the conclusion of the hearing.” > > But in order to get this through, the vote itself would have to take place before that two-week period expires. Makes the commenting procedure somewhat moot, does it not? They are also accepting via email. I’m assuming I’m not allowed to post the email. ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1310 "2017-09-21T15:48:54Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > They are also accepting via email. I’m assuming I’m not allowed to post the email. I would assume if someone asked for a specific email/point of contact, you’d be allowed to post it. Unsolicited petitions are something different. I’d be interested in the email too. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1311 "2017-09-21T16:12:22Z")
More speculation that the waivers in GC won’t pass the Byrd bath, which means slashing funding without states getting a damned thing. This is really important! Also, if you want to be made smarter on the whole ACA repeal issue, consider following Andy Slavitt, the former head of CMS (Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA): [https://twitter.com/ASlavitt](https://twitter.com/ASlavitt) ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1312 "2017-09-21T17:08:29Z")
The Hill says the bill is “likely to pass”? ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Lendervedder](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_lendervedder/32/8488_2.png) [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1313 "2017-09-21T17:37:37Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > The Hill says the bill is “likely to pass”? Cite? ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1314 "2017-09-21T17:43:21Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > The Hill says the bill is “likely to pass”? I just have no fucking idea, really. Right now, we don’t have any reason to think Collins will vote for it. Rand Paul says he’s a no, but I don’t trust him. Murkowski should have zero good reason to vote for it, but she’s cagey. McCain is all for regular order, but he loves him some Lindsey Graham. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1315 "2017-09-21T17:49:41Z")
In lieu of full legal analysis of Byrd rules, here’s a tweet storm that people with wonky inclinations could find valuable: [https://twitter.com/econwonk/status/907319366005522432](https://twitter.com/econwonk/status/907319366005522432) Upshot: He thinks the waivers are fine this time. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1316 "2017-09-21T18:11:50Z")
The buyout begins: [http://ijr.com/2017/09/979983-republicans-attempt-buy-murkowskis-vote-new-draft-health-care-bill/](http://ijr.com/2017/09/979983-republicans-attempt-buy-murkowskis-vote-new-draft-health-care-bill/) > [@](#): > > According to the aide, here is a summary of what the new draft of the bill entails: > > "This draft includes 3 separate provisions benefitting Alaska. > > ``` > Alaska (along with Hawaii) will continue to receive Obamacare’s premium tax credits while they are repealed for all other states. It appears this exemption will not affect Alaska receiving its state allotment under the new block grant in addition to the premium tax credits. > > Delays implementation of the Medicaid per capita caps for Alaska and Hawaii for years in which the policy would reduce their funding below what they would have received in 2020 plus CPI-M. > > Provides for an increased federal Medicaid matching rate (FMAP) for both Alaska and Hawaii." > > ``` ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1317 "2017-09-21T18:39:47Z")
Stolen from Twitter: If you want to know how great the Graham-Cassidy bill is for states, the bribe for Alaska is that THEY GET TO KEEP OBAMACARE!! - @MEPFuller ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1318 "2017-09-21T18:43:17Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Stolen from Twitter: > > If you want to know how great the Graham-Cassidy bill is for states, the bribe for Alaska is that THEY GET TO KEEP OBAMACARE!! - @MEPFuller I can’t stop laughing. It might be hysteria at this point. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1319 "2017-09-21T18:49:03Z")
> [@Richard\_Parker](#): > > Stolen from Twitter: > > If you want to know how great the Graham-Cassidy bill is for states, the bribe for Alaska is that THEY GET TO KEEP OBAMACARE!! - @MEPFuller On top of everything, this quote from Lindsey Graham about previous iterations of ACA repeal will make you chuckle: [x.com](https://twitter.com/frankthorp/status/910938056257044481) > [@](#): > > Well I worry cornhusker kickbacks & Louisiana purchases & if they start doing that crap, they’re going to lose me ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Parker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/35a633/32.png) [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2017, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1320 "2017-09-21T18:51:55Z")
This Vox [piece](https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/9/20/16333876/republican-senators-graham-cassidy) was also a good laugh. > [@](#): > > Jeff Stein > But why does this bill make things better for Americans? How does it help? > > Pat Roberts > Pardon me? > > Jeff Stein > Why does this make things better? What is this doing? > > Pat Roberts > Look, we’re in the back seat of a convertible being driven by Thelma and Louise, and we’re headed toward the canyon. That’s a movie that you’ve probably never seen — > > Jeff Stein > I do know Thelma & Louise, sir. > > Pat Roberts > So we have to get out of the car, and you have to have a car to get into, and this is the only car there is. I would like to know if our local GOP Senate supporters are duly embarrassed by all of this. I suspect not. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146.md?page=65) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146.md?page=67)