The controversial “reform” of Medicaid even has the GOP going at it.
The House bill has put forth some major changes, too much in the eyes of Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), who believes that Trump would veto the bill in its current form.
Republicans are trying to root out waste and fraud, while at the same time making Medicaid coverage less complex, especially when it comes to prescription drug coverage.
One of the big changes to Medicaid would cap out-of-pocket expenses for medication at $2,000.
There are also work requirements for able-bodied recipients, and a possible co-pay of $35 for benefits for those who are over the poverty line.
These changes are all part of the $880 billion in cuts that Trump wants to see in the overall bill before it hits his desk.
On Wednesday, the GOP House passed Medicaid reform and huge cuts as requested by Trump, but there are some members of the GOP who are pushing back on the legislation.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the bill along party lines, with a 30-24 vote after more than 240 amendments were made, putting in a marathon 26-hour session.
However, Senator Hawley believes it was all for naught, stating, “This bill is not going to become law in its current form, not least because President Trump won’t sign it.”
That is a bold statement, but he further explained, “I’ve talked to him about this personally, multiple times. He has been crystal clear in public, too — no, Medicaid benefit cuts, we need to get a tax cut to working people, not raise their taxes when it comes to health care, not take away their health care benefits.”
Survivors of the 9/11 cleanup at the World Trade Center are asking Trump for one more favor, hoping that the World Trade Center Health Program will be stabilized.
Michael Barasch, an attorney who represents scores of 9/11 responders and survivors, stated, “This program was saving lives,” as it had provided treatment for tens of thousands of first responders who answered the call after the attack on 9/11.
About 20% of staff from the program were laid off in February, creating more delays for treatment for the first responders. Barasch stated, “Already before these cuts, the health program was short-staffed.”
This is why I did not like the approach of blanket firings, as I stated from day one that Trump should have trusted his secretaries and directors to evaluate positions, programs, and staffers, then make the cuts. This is one program where they need to find the money and allow it to remain functional at 100%. These people risked their lives, and they need to be taken care of… period.
