Sep 18, 2017
Over the past several weeks a small number of U.S. Senators have been working on yet another plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The two primary sponsors are Senator Graham and Senator Cassidy.
This is a last-ditch attempt to repeal the ACA using a process that precludes a Senate filibuster and would require only 51 votes (50 with the Vice President breaking a tie). Under Senate rules, the opportunity to use that legislative vehicle expires at the end of September.
This legislation is similar to some of the previously defeated repeal bills. It would allow states to waive the requirements of the 10 essential benefits contained in the ACA. It would also eliminate the Medicaid expansion, thereby reducing access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment for that population.
You will recall the previous dramatic vote, taken in the middle of the night, with Senator McCain voting NO. It will be extremely important that Senator McCain not change his position. If McCain changes his vote, this could pass.
We urge you to contact your US Senators and ask them to oppose the Graham-Cassidy bill.
Mark Dunn
NAATP Director of Public Policy
Washington, DC
