Senate to Vote on ​“Skinny Repeal” this Week

After voting down a number of “repeal and replace” bills Tuesday and Wednesday, Senate Republicans are now planning to vote either late today or early tomorrow on a new “skinny repeal” bill. While most Senators have not seen this scaled down bill, the general approach is reported to include repeal of the individual mandate, elimination of the employer provided insurance requirement, and would repeal some taxes. Additionally, it is being reported that “skinny repeal” would include the defunding of Planned Parenthood for one year, and would defund the Prevention and Public Health Fund which currently provides hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the CDC. The “skinny repeal” bill may also include more funding for Community Health Centers, and also may allow states to waive certain rules established by the ACA.

One of the biggest concerns over this approach is the repeal of the individual mandate. While this provision is unpopular in some circles, it is key to the financial structure of the ACA.  Current estimates are that “skinny repeal” would result in 15 million more uninsured and create a climate in which premiums would increase by about 20 percent.

While this bill appears to have some momentum, it is not yet clear whether it will gain enough votes to pass.