Democrats to force vote against short-term health plans
In response to the Trump administration’s decision to expand short-term health plans, Senate Democrats will try to force a vote to block the rule, the Associated Press reported.
The short-term plans provide healthcare coverage up to 12 months under the new rule, with renewal options up to 36 months. Industry stakeholders and consumer groups expressed concerns over the plans, which are not comprehensive, exclude pre-existing conditions and are not subject to other Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements.
A vote to block the plans, which were previously limited to just three months, could narrowly pass in the Senate, but has a far less chance to be approved in the Republican-dominated House, the AP reported.
Democrats will use the Congressional Review Act, which allows any senator to force a vote on overturning actions by federal agencies under some circumstances.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."