The relevant quote:
CBO and JCT estimate that, in 2018, 14 million more people would be uninsured under the legislation than under current law. The increase in the number of uninsured people relative to the number under current law would reach 21 million in 2020 and 24 million in 2026. In 2026, an estimated 52 million people under age 65 would be uninsured, compared with 28 million who would lack insurance that year under current law.
I don’t think the changes to the bill change much of this, which is why the Republicans are saying “it has already been scored.” Odd to take pride in 24 million people likely to drop out of medical insurance, as if that were an accomplishment.
My understanding from reading analyses of the new bill is that this is much more “reform” and “slow down” of Obamacare than repeal. The pre-existing condition clause is kept intact but with a one year penalty if a person does not maintain continuous coverage. Medicaid expansion is stopped and made even more to be a state choice.
Federal taxes on the really wealthy are going down. Federal government is saying that if states want to tax rich people for redistribution within state borders, go ahead. Seems to me this can only benefit California. As if the Federal government is saying, “California billionaires are no longer responsible for Mississippi.”
Reading a lot of the provisions, they seem to have been inspired by a “anti-nudge” faction… instead of nudging people to do the right thing, it is nudging people to do the wrong thing!
Michael Kevane 