Senate Republicans Delay Vote on ACA Repeal Bill

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) decided to delay a vote on a bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act until after the July 4 recess. The decision came after the Senate GOP leadership determined the bill did not have enough support to pass. “The Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017” – like the “American Health Care Act” that was approved by the House of Representatives – would cause 22 million people to lose health insurance and slash Medicaid funding for supportive housing services that benefit people experiencing homelessness.

The Senate bill would roll back Medicaid expansion, change the structure of Medicaid, converting it into a block grant, and dramatically cut its funding. The bill also allows states to impose work requirements, higher premiums, and emergency room co-payments within Medicaid. These changes would be devastating for low income households, especially homeless individuals receiving supportive services through Medicaid.

Republican leadership is now considering a range of requests from senators who initially opposed the bill or were undecided, including Senators Deal Heller (R-NV), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

During the July 4 recess, it is critical that housing advocates call their senators and ask them to oppose any healthcare bill that cuts, caps, or phases out Medicaid for millions of the lowest income people.

To contact your senators, call the congressional switchboard toll free at 202-224-3121.

Look up your federal elected officials on NLIHC website: http://bit.ly/2s3UwGJ