Trending News Today: Skinny Repeal Bill Fails in the Senate

Sen John McCain (R-AZ) recently cast the deciding vote on the “skinny repeal” bill, according to Kaiser Health News. McCain joined Sens Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and voted against a partial repeal of certain mandates of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The bill was defeated in a 51-49 vote and represents a temporary end to GOP efforts to repeal the ACA, according to the article.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) expressed disappointment that Republicans were unable to pass the skinny repeal bill. McConnell also blamed Democrats for not participating in healthcare reform, according to Politico. While the bill only required a simple-majority to pass, 3 Republican senators opposed the bill. While the skinny repeal was supported by both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, it did not gain enough support to pass the senate. It is unclear how the GOP will proceed.

UnitedHealthcare Services may have concealed hundreds of complains of enrollment fraud and other activities from the government, according to Kaiser Health News. A new lawsuit alleges that UnitedHealthcare engaged in these schemes as a way to collect extra payments from their Medicare Advantage plans. It is also alleged that the insurer knew of accusations that at least 1 sales associate forged signatures on enrollment forms, had numerous complaints of misconduct, and engaged in a kickback scheme, according to the article.