Congress Is back ... and So Is the Health Care Debate

Members of Congress have returned to Washington, DC following their summer recess. Among many other priorities, they will re-engage in the debate over the future of our health care system. Although the House passed the American Health Care Act in May, the Senate did not pass their companion bill, the Better Care Reconciliation Act later in the summer. However, efforts to repeal and replace the ACA are not over.

Thus far, the Senate has been using a process called "reconciliation" to fast-track their health care reform legislation. Reconciliation is used for faster consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit bills. It can also be used to move certain measures, such as efforts to repeal and replace the ACA, with only 50 votes. Otherwise, it takes 60 votes to proceed on a bill and end debate.

The Senate parliamentarian, who is the official advisor to the Senate and interprets Senate rules, has now announced that the window for reconciliation will close on September 30 at the end of the current fiscal year. After that date, Republicans will have to return to regular proceedings, which will require more votes to pass the legislation.

Although the risk of repeal and replace is still a possibility, it is equally as important to pay attention to the stability of the current health care marketplaces. Congress has the opportunity to take steps toward stabilizing the markets by funding cost sharing reductions among other options, and ensuring that Americans continue to have access to quality health insurance options at affordable prices. Check out the most recent blog from the Cancer Policy Institute on what Congress can do to stabilize the insurance market, and what you can do to help!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Franklin
​Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy
​Cancer Support Community