Story highlights
Bill would repeal Obamacare's individual mandate
Experts have warned the changes could result in millions of people losing access to insurance they received under the Affordable Care Act
House committees will vote on the measure Wednesday
House Republicans introduced their bill to repeal Obamacare’s individual mandate that also aims to maintain coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and allow children to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26.
The measure would offer individuals refundable tax credits to purchase health insurance and restructure the country’s Medicaid program so that states receive a set amount of money from the federal government every year – changes experts warn could result in millions of people losing access to insurance they received under the Affordable Care Act.
It also largely would keep Obamacare’s protections of those with pre-existing conditions, but allows insurers to charge higher premiums to those who let their coverage lapse.
Full text: GOP plan to repeal and replace Obamacare
House Speaker Paul Ryan said Obamacare is “rapidly collapsing” and it is “time to turn the page.”
“The American Health Care Act is a plan to drive down costs, encourage competition, and give every American access to quality, affordable health insurance. It protects young adults, patients with pre-existing conditions, and provides a stable transition so that no one has the rug pulled out from under them,” Ryan said in a statement.
The measure sets up a political battle that could consume Congress for much of the year.