6 governors lead bipartisan charge against Senate health care bill

[Gman]

6 governors lead bipartisan charge against Senate health care bill

In today's political climate, it's rare to find bipartisanship. But as President Donald Trump calls on Senate Republicans to pass a bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, governors — Republican and Democratic are unified in opposition.

The Senate health care bill would cut Medicaid spending by $772 billion over the next decade, leaving millions of low-income people uninsured in states where Medicaid was expanded under the Affordable Care Act.

The governors from states that took advantage of the Medicaid expansion have worked together in writing letters, holding teleconferences with reporters and hosting private meetings with members of Congress. Some have called for no repeal, others a more measured approach.



Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D)
Medicaid expansion: 2014

Coloradans covered since expansion: 421,111

Impact: Before Medicaid expansion in 2014, more than 14 percent of Coloradans were uninsured. That number is now about 6 percent, according to the nonpartisan Colorado Health Institute. Expansion has benefited many people who live in rural counties along the state's southern border.

Political future: Hickenlooper's term ends in 2018 and in recent months he's been asked on several occasions if he plans to run for president in 2020. He said he'll wait and see.

The former Denver mayor could also run for a Senate seat in 2020, challenging Republican incumbent Sen. Cory Gardner.

[theGinsue]

There are a lot of people who worked hard for years and paid into the system as well as many truly needy people who need/are on Medicaid. There are even more folks on Medicaid who are able bodied and of working age who are just milking the system of everything they possibly can. It's because of this second group that I don't mind cuts to Medicaid. Start with cuts then immediately start weeding out those capable of earning their own way. Problem solved.

[roberth]

There are a lot of people who worked hard for years and paid into the system as well as many truly needy people who need/are on Medicaid. There are even more folks on Medicaid who are able bodied and of working age who are just milking the system of everything they possibly can. It's because of this second group that I don't mind cuts to Medicaid. Start with cuts then immediately start weeding out those capable of earning their own way. Problem solved.

There ya have it.