With Senate Republicans’ Graham-Cassidy healthcare repeal bill set to be voted on next week, the evidence is mounting that this bill singles out California for punishment. California is set to lose a whopping $129 billion in federal funding over the next 10 years as that money is redistributed to other states. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found that by switching the funding mechanism to block grants, Graham-Cassidy rewards states that did not expand Medicaid, punishes states that did expand the program, and actually redistributes funding from large states like California, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, to states that refused to expand Medicaid. In fact, more densely populated states would lose federal funding to less densely populated states.
Even Senator Graham, the bill’s author, agrees that this bill would punish California – noting that California and New York are “big blue states” and he’s “trying to, you know, create parity.” Apparently Republicans’ definition of parity means:
- Cutting Medicaid For Seniors, People With Disabilities, And Families With Children
- Eliminating Or Weakening Protections For People With Pre-Existing Conditions
- Charging People Higher Premiums
- Kicking More People Off Health Insurance Than the Previous GOP Health Care Bills
According to one study, California is set to lose as much money over the next ten years as the next four states combined. Every member of the California Republican congressional delegation voted for the American Health Care Act – so where do they stand on this bill? So far, only Representative Mimi Walters has endorsed this bill, saying she’s “confident we’ll pass it in the House.” Congressman Steve Knight dodged on the question completely, saying he will “closely monitor” the bill.
So where does the rest of the Republican delegation stand?
The bottom line: compared to ACA funding, California would lose about $129 billion in federal healthcare funding by 2027.
“Make no mistake – Graham-Cassidy singles out California for punishment and eliminates billions in health care funding from California families,” said DCCC Spokesman Drew Godinich. “Republicans’ refusal to take a stand on this harmful bill is unacceptable. It’s time for our representatives to take a side – Californians or Washington special interests.”