Trending News Today: Up to 4 Million Individuals Could Lose Coverage Under ACA Replacement

Despite objections from both Republicans and Democrats, GOP leaders are still planning to move forward with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) replacement plan. Today, the House Ways and Means Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to convene sessions to start voting, according to the Associated Press. Although the President, Vice President, and other Republican leaders support the bill, some powerful conservatives have spoken out against it due to similarities to the ACA.

If passed as is, the ACA replacement plan may put health coverage in jeopardy for millions of Americans, and make premiums unaffordable for older adults. Rather than provide subsidies, the plan would implement tax credits based on age, which would not be nearly as much financial assistance as is currently received. A new report indicates that up to 4 million individuals could lose insurance over costs under this new plan, according to The New York Times.

Three Senators have written a letter to the US Government Accountability Office inquiring about the Orphan Drug Act. The lawmakers believe that certain pharmaceutical companies have been taking advantage of the program to increase profits by preventing the emergence of generic drugs, according to Kaiser Health News. With the high costs of drugs that receive orphan designation, the legislators believe there should be changes made to keep the initial intent of the law.