Republicans have failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, aka “Obamacare”–again.
After being unable to obtain the requisite votes in the Senate to revoke health insurance from over 20 million people in what was nothing more than a tax break for the wealthy disguised as health care reform, the GOP has returned to its corner to lick its wounds.
But make no mistake–the fight is far from over.
Republicans are now seriously considering their next strategy: repealing former President Barack Obama’s signature legislation without enacting a replacement.
Some legislators who recognize Republicans’ recklessness are not having it, though, and are prepared to use their legal authority to protect American lives.
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman (D) is one of them. He is vowing to sue the federal government if Republicans’ and President Donald Trump’s repeal is eventually successful.
Schneiderman’s is basing his hypothetical suit on several constitutional defects, including the placement of unconstitutional conditions on federal dollars used toward health care.
Schneiderman said:
“This bill is against the law – it’s unconstitutional and even the president is not above the law. And we will sue – because this is about New Yorkers’ health, their lives, and their basic rights.”
About provisions in the Senate and House plans to defund Planned Parenthood, Schneiderman said:
“[Defunding Planned Parenthood would] create an undue burden on women’s fundamental constitutional right to reproductive health care, while placing unconstitutional conditions on federal dollars that fund vital services like breast cancer screenings, STD tests and more.”
About the Republicans’ actions, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said:
“Token changes can not hide the fact that this is a cruel and heartless bill. This is a reckless act with no thought to the consequences because they need the votes.”
Schneiderman and Gov. Cuomo are appealing to matters of economics in addition to people’s health, life, and death.
Repeal of the ACA would prohibit the state from imposing and collecting taxes that collect $2.3 billion to help pay for Medicaid on counties outside New York City.
During a conference call with reporters, Cuomo said:
“It is impossible for the state to pay and close that gap.”
Cuomo added attempting to close the gap would result in the largest tax increase in history, too much for the state to bear. Costs would be forced onto state’s health care providers, many of which are struggling already.
Cuomo told The Buffalo News editorial board Tuesday:
“You will see hospitals close.”
He cited specifically the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, which he determined “will be unsustainable.”
New York operates one of the nation’s largest health exchanges under the Affordable Care Act. Their more than three million enrollees could face some of the most devastating loses if Republicans get their way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0xBT2A08jk
Featured Image: Screenshot Via YouTube Video.
