Reconciliation 2.0 / Healthcare Reform Legislation

President Trump is against any extension of the ACA enhanced tax credits, arguing that such funds should be paid “to the people” instead of “money sucking Insurance Companies.” That likely will prevent any bipartisan deal on extending the subsidies, but Senate Budget Committee Chairman Graham (R-SC) has been talking to Committee Republicans about a possible second reconciliation bill to include an array of healthcare reforms.  As noted in previous updates, this is possible but it would be a heavy lift.

One provision under discussion would establish pre-funded accounts for Americans to pay directly for healthcare, rather than paying subsidies to insurers. The President called for something similar last weekend, when he urged that money should be “sent directly to the people so that they can purchase their own, much better, healthcare.” Sen. Scott announced that he is writing a bill that would implement the policy.