Trending News Today: Widespread Concern Surrounds ACA Repeal Without Replacement Plan

Some Republican governors are speaking out against repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without an immediate replacement plan. These governors are warning GOP lawmakers that repealing the ACA, along with removing funding for expanded Medicaid programs, will lead to disastrous consequences, according to Politico. This opposition could lead to a replacement plan that state governors may see as beneficial, according to the report.

Repealing the ACA and the tax increases that fund the bill will provide the very wealthy with millions of dollars in tax relief. However, middle- and lower-income individuals will see increases in health insurance premiums since the tax increases would likely reduce subsidies provided. Wealthy individuals who make more than $300 million would have an average tax cut of $7 million, and individuals with household incomes of less than $200,000 would receive no tax relief, according to The Fiscal Times.

In an effort to save Medicaid expansion from being defunded as a result of dismantling the ACA, Governor John Bel Edwards (D-LA) is urging individuals who have benefited from expansion speak in favor of the law, according to the Charlotte Observer. Testimony from patients described applying for Medicaid, and being diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter. These individuals were subsequently able to receive the necessary care and treatment they would have gone without if they did not receive the assistance.