GOP chairman: 'Timing is a challenge' on stabilizing ObamaCare markets

[DonViejo]

Source: The Hill




BY JESSIE HELLMANN AND RACHEL ROUBEIN - 09/06/17 11:05 AM EDT

The Senate's health committee should find consensus on a bipartisan health bill to stabilize the ObamaCare markets by the end of next week, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said Wednesday.

At the first of the committee's four hearings on stabilizing the market, Alexander said the panel needs to act quickly so Congress can pass a bill by the end of September. "Timing is a challenge. So I propose that we come to a consensus by the end of next week when our hearings are complete so that Congress can act on it before the end of September," Alexander said in his opening remarks.

"Otherwise we will not be able to affect insurance rates, and the availability for insurance, for next year."

Alexander said that he and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), the panel's ranking member, also held a closed-door meeting with senators who are not on the health committee and witnesses before Wednesday's hearing.

Read more: http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/349415-gop-chairman-timing-is-a-challenge-on-stabilization-obamacare-markets

[DetlefK]

1. Translation: "Time is running out. You better accept anything if you want to save Obamacare."