Summary
A thorough review of public statements and other materials reveals sharp divisions among Senate Republicans on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) – a plan being considered in the House to repeal and replace major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While passage in the House is still very uncertain, the wide divisions in the Senate are particularly notable, as Republicans can only afford two defections from their ranks while still passing the bill through reconciliation.
Our analysis reveals criticisms of the House bill from both the conservative and moderate wings of the Senate Republican Conference. The conservatives have branded the bill as ‘Obamacare Lite’ and claimed that the tax credits to purchase health insurance constitute a “new entitlement.” Moderates have cited concerns with ending the ACA’s Medicaid expansion and defunding Planned Parenthood. Further, Republicans from across the ideological spectrum have suggested that the process is moving too quickly, particularly without a score from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).