# 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:** 72
**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 25, 2017, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1421 "2017-09-25T00:36:21Z")
> [@Ukulele\_Ike](#): > > If Cruz and Lee are coming out against it, will McConnell not bother with the vote? They are still trying to rewrite, including possibly cutting the amount of the already insufficient block grants in order to woo Paul (which would probably work on Cruz and Lee, if they are genuinely hold outs). If they don’t bring it to the floor, it means they don’t have the votes, but if they do bring it to the floor, that doesn’t necessarily mean they do have the votes. ---
**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 25, 2017, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1422 "2017-09-25T01:57:32Z")
New text is out: [http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/24/obamacare-graham-cassidy-repeal-243079](http://www.politico.com/story/2017/09/24/obamacare-graham-cassidy-repeal-243079) > [@](#): > > nder the revised text, the bill’s authors now project increases in federal funding for Arizona (14 percent), Kentucky (4 percent) and Alaska (3 percent), which would have seen declines under the previous version, according to a leaked analysis from President Donald Trump’s health department. All three states are home to pivotal GOP swing votes who either have opposed or expressed concerns with the bill — Sens. John McCain, Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski. ---
**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 25, 2017, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1423 "2017-09-25T02:06:08Z")
To be clear, the part about it actually being an increase is not necessarily going to be borne out by analysis. That’s what the authors are claiming, not necessarily what is real. ---
**Author:** ![Tarwater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9de0a6/32.png) [@Tarwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tarwater)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1424 "2017-09-25T02:40:27Z")
If that’s all they updated in their revised bill, they’re even dumber and lazier than I thought. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1425 "2017-09-25T02:46:43Z")
> [@Leaper](#): > > You’re actually saying the exact opposite of what is quoted above, unless you actually do NOT think the bill will pass, and the “was” was a typo. 🙂 :smack: Aye, pretty obviously a typo; should be “wasn’t”. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1426 "2017-09-25T13:17:52Z")
> [@Tarwater](#): > > …bribe, threaten, or otherwise extort Collins and Murkowski. It’s pretty clear the attempt is to bribe. But what do we call this - the crab and lobster kickback? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1427 "2017-09-25T13:26:01Z")
Collins has been holding out for the CBO score, which of course will be severely negative. That will give her, and quite a few others, the cover they need. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1428 "2017-09-25T14:36:30Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Collins has been holding out for the CBO score, which of course will be severely negative. That will give her, and quite a few others, the cover they need. I seem to recall (can’t remember where I read it, sorry) that there isn’t enough time for the CBO to do a full scoring and that what will be released this week will only be a partial score; implied was that the worst parts of the CBO scoring won’t be ready in time. Oh – Google tosses up [this article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2017/09/20/the-cbo-cant-score-republicans-health-care-plan-in-time-thats-where-jimmy-kimmel-comes-in/?utm_term=.c740fbd225e9) from the Washington Post Also [CNBC](https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/18/cbo-will-issue-full-report-on-obamacare-repeal-after-passage-deadline.html), which notes that the CBO’s estimate of how many people will lose health insurance won’t be done in time. And [Slate,](https://slate.com/business/2017/09/the-congressional-budget-office-wont-have-time-to-fully-score-the-gops-latest-obamacare-repeal-bill.html) which notes the CBO: > [@](#): > > will release a “preliminary” estimate more or less analyzing whether the plan meets the bare minimum requirements to pass through the budget reconciliation process. That forecast will not include specific numbers about the bill’s “effects on the deficit, health insurance coverage, or premiums.” Those won’t be available “for at least several weeks.” ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1429 "2017-09-25T14:40:51Z")
I think the Republicans are going to have a difficult time getting the deal done in time. If you please Susan Collins and John McCain, then you’re likely going to lose Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. And still a few others might simply want more time to look at the bill. I think that’s probably the way out for some of the centrists who hate this entire effort by the radicals in their party. ---
**Author:** ![Ambrosio\_Spinola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9de0a6/32.png) [@Ambrosio\_Spinola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambrosio_Spinola)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1430 "2017-09-25T14:46:17Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > I seem to recall (can’t remember where I read it, sorry) that there isn’t enough time for the CBO to do a full scoring and that what will be released this week will only be a partial score; implied was that the worst parts of the CBO scoring won’t be ready in time. This point can’t be overstated enough - it’s incredibly shocking that the Senate is even considering a huge remake of the entire medical industry based on Lindsey Graham’s pre-breakfast notes without some sort of thorough oversight and analysis. The surprise isn’t that McCain is balking at the process but that there are mid-to-high-forties number of Senators that _aren’t_ raising holy hell about it. They’re still rewriting the bill as we speak, for God’s sake. If the ACA taught us anything, it’s that health care is hard and that it’s easy to screw it up even with the best intentions. Are Senate Republicans really so confident in Graham and Cassidy that they assume there aren’t any unintended consequences from their bill? Have they even thought through and understand the _intended_ consequences? ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1431 "2017-09-25T14:50:44Z")
They don’t care. They’re just desperate to get something, anything passed so they can tell their constituents they’ve kept their repeated pledges and abolished the hated Obamacare. ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1432 "2017-09-25T14:52:09Z")
> [@Ambrosio\_Spinola](#): > > This point can’t be overstated enough - it’s incredibly shocking that the Senate is even considering a huge remake of the entire medical industry based on Lindsey Graham’s pre-breakfast notes without some sort of thorough oversight and analysis. The surprise isn’t that McCain is balking at the process but that there are mid-to-high-forties number of Senators that _aren’t_ raising holy hell about it. They’re still rewriting the bill as we speak, for God’s sake. I totally agree with being outraged about how the process is being handled. Even if the bill was for my heathcare preference (single-payer), I would be upset it if was being rushed through without thoughtful consideration and analysis. People’s lives depend on these healthcare decisions! ---
**Author:** ![Anny\_Middon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bc79bd/32.png) [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1433 "2017-09-25T15:07:32Z")
> [@Ambrosio\_Spinola](#): > > If the ACA taught us anything, it’s that health care is hard and that it’s easy to screw it up even with the best intentions. Are Senate Republicans really so confident in Graham and Cassidy that they assume there aren’t any unintended consequences from their bill? Have they even thought through and understand the _intended_ consequences? I’m another in the “they simply don’t care” school. There are reasons why this mess wouldn’t take effect until 2020. Primarily among them is that it gives them the opportunity to crow about how they repealed the ACA without subjecting their voters to the soulless GC. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if some Pubs aren’t telling themselves that they can repeal the ACA and then have three years to come up with a better plan. The fact that they already had seven years to come up with a better plan and they did jackshit won’t occur to them. GOP Senator: Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat. Voter: That trick never works! GOP Senator: This time for sure! ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1434 "2017-09-25T15:16:30Z")
Every time I hear Graham or Cassidy interviewed, they always push the line in the bill that requires states to provide “adequate and affordable” coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. This is their major talking point. And I’m waiting for someone to ask them if they consider the protections provided by EMTALA ( the long existing law that requires hospitals with emergency rooms to stabilize and treat patients regardless of their ability to pay) to meet the definition of “adequate and affordable”. Because I’m kind of sure they do and I’m kind of sure that is what will go down if this law passes. Yet no one asks that question. It very frustrating, I’d like someone to pin them down on this. ---
**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 25, 2017, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1435 "2017-09-25T15:19:40Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > I seem to recall (can’t remember where I read it, sorry) that there isn’t enough time for the CBO to do a full scoring and that what will be released this week will only be a partial score; implied was that the worst parts of the CBO scoring won’t be ready in time. Right, the CBO scoring will only be on the budget, not coverage, premiums, or deficit. And it will NOT be on the newest text, but on the text released… um… not yesterday. Sorry, I can’t remember my weeks over here. Even if you support getting rid of the ACA, this is a fucking stupid way to proceed. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1436 "2017-09-25T15:55:10Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > If you please Susan Collins and John McCain, then you’re likely going to lose Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. It appears they’ve lost all four anyway, and more once it’s safe to come out of hiding. ---
**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 25, 2017, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1437 "2017-09-25T23:06:07Z")
Collins is officially a no. No one trusts Rand Paul, but maybe he’s for real. Cassidy’s performance at the sham hearing was embarrassing. He defined “affordable” as “can be afforded.” ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1438 "2017-09-25T23:28:39Z")
Strike six, you’re out! No, really, drop the bat and go sit down, you’re out. ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Hedonia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ann_hedonia/32/319_2.png) [@Ann\_Hedonia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Hedonia)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1439 "2017-09-25T23:29:28Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#): > > Collins is officially a no. No one trusts Rand Paul, but maybe he’s for real. > > Cassidy’s performance at the sham hearing was embarrassing. He defined “affordable” as “can be afforded.” Rand is really an evil little cabbage patch doll, isn’t he? But I’m hoping that Mr Art of the Deal put him in a position where RP will look weak if he caves. I’m going to hit Twitter and encourage Rand to stay strong and maybe remind him that if he changes his vote everyone will think he’s Trump’s little bitch. Settle for nothing less than a full repeal, Rand! Don’t play with the swamp critters! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [September 25, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146/1440 "2017-09-25T23:30:38Z")
> [@Ann\_Hedonia](#): > > … I’d like someone to pin them down on this. Ever try to pin a blob of mercury with a sewing needle? Hours of fun. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146.md?page=71) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-repeal-of-obamacare-aca-step-bystep-inch-by-inch/776146.md?page=73)