Trending News Today: Majority of Americans Feel AHCA Will Harm Low-Income Individuals

Congressional aides and lobbyists have said that the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) would make cuts to Medicaid, end the individual mandate, and roll back taxes, according to ABC News. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) plans to release the legislation today after weeks of meetings. The Senate bill would drop insurer waivers that would allow for premium bumps for those with preexisting conditions, a major difference from the House-approved version, according to the article.

A new poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos found that a majority of Americans feel the AHCA would harm people with low-incomes, preexisting conditions, and those who are insured by Medicaid, Reuters reported. The poll found that 41% of Americans are in opposition to the bill, with only 30% supporting it and another 29% unsure of where they stand. A majority also felt that the AHCA would increase premiums, but Republican lawmakers argue that the legislation would actually do the opposite.

Insurers face the tough decision of whether to sell plans on Affordable Care Act marketplaces or withdraw in 2018. Anthem decided that it would be withdrawing from 2 additional states, Wisconsin and Indiana, according to The New York Times. When Anthem announced they would no longer be selling plans in 2018, they cited the deteriorating individual market and changes in federal rules as the reason behind their departure, according to the article.