Republicans Block Vote To Protect Seniors’ Health Care From TrumpCare Devastation

Republican House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) blocked a vote that would have protected seniors’ health care from the price increases that are built into TrumpCare.

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The amendment proposed by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) stated, “None of the provisions of this Act (other than this section) or the amendments made by such provisions shall take effect if the Congressional Budget Office determines that such provisions or amendments are estimated to result in an increase in out-of-pocket costs, or reduction in availability of coverage or benefits, for individuals over 55 years of age residing in the United States.”

Chairman Brady ruled that the amendment not in order, and no vote was held.

As the AARP pointed out, TrumpCare will open the door to the destruction of Medicare by turning it into a voucher program, “AARP opposes this legislation, as introduced, that would weaken Medicare, leaving the door open to a voucher program that shifts costs and risks to seniors. Before people even reach retirement age, big insurance companies could be allowed to charge them an age tax that adds up to thousands of dollars more per year. Older Americans need affordable health care services and prescriptions. This plan goes in the opposite direction, increasing insurance premiums for older Americans and not doing anything to lower drug costs.”

TrumpCare opens the door for Medicare to be gutted while also raising health care costs on seniors. A common thread through every part of the Republican Obamacare replacement legislation is that it is going to force people to pay more for their health care. If you are senior, you will pay more. If you are an employer, you pay more. If you are a person with a disability, you also pay more.

Republicans aren’t even trying to pretend that they care about seniors, as doomed maiden voyage of TrumpCare continues to steam directly towards the iceberg of public rebellion.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and  Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association