WASHINGTON – Two congressional members from Washington State are expressing differing opinions on the impacts of the newly passed health care bill.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) warned that health insurance premiums could spike and health care costs might rise for millions of Americans by January.
“You are the ones who put American healthcare on this collision course. You may try to ignore the warnings, you may try to ignore the voices back home speaking out, but you’re not going to be able to avoid the responsibility,” said Murray, addressing Republicans.
On the other hand, U.S. Representative Michael Baumgartner (R-WA) believes the bill will expand essential services and improve access to care.
“Congress just delivered a major victory for rural communities through a sweeping package aimed at strengthening essential services and improving access to care,” he said.
Baumgartner added that the bill protects access to care in rural communities, helps attract and retain rural health care professionals, and expands access to telehealth services.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan organization, 7.8 million Americans are expected to lose Medicaid by 2034.
Of these, about 4.8 million would be able-bodied adults between the ages of 19 and 64, and about 1.4 million would be people who don’t meet citizenship and immigration status requirements for Medicaid.
The office also expects state Medicaid and insurance programs to reduce enrollment and services due to several provisions in the bill.
