Trending News Today: AHCA Defeat Could Delay Healthcare Reform into Future

On Friday, the American Health Care Act (AHCA) was pulled from consideration, despite last-minute additions to gain Republican support. House Speaker Paul Ryan decided to pull the AHCA because there were not enough votes for it to pass in Congress. While numerous GOP lawmakers opposed the law, President Donald Trump blamed Democrats for not supporting the legislation, and said that insurance marketplaces are in trouble because of it, according to Kaiser Health News.

Earlier this month, the House Freedom Caucus made a secret pact that members would not commit their votes prior to consulting the group, which sought to prevent GOP leaders from swaying votes, according to Politico. Of the 3 dozen members, 28 agreed to the pact, and the AHCA was recently pulled due to a shortage of 25 votes in favor of the law. The failure of the legislation may cause a significant delay in healthcare reform, with lawmakers uncertain of GOP plans to move forward.

Pre-hospice care programs are designed to care for elderly patients with chronic illnesses at home, while preventing hospital admissions. These programs include help from social workers and nurses who counsel patients on what to expect during their last few years, help them make plans, and teach them how to manage their conditions, according to Kaiser Health News. Physicians also track patient health and review medications. Perhaps the most beneficial aspects of the program are that patients do not need to have a prognosis of 6 months or less to live, and their symptoms are not just managed like in hospice care, according to the article.