House GOP breaks from repeal effort, get change in ObamaCare
FILE: March 27, 2014: A woman reads a leaflet at a ObamaCare enrollment event in Cudahy, CaliforniaREUTERS
House Republicans have secured a change in ObamaCare to expand coverage choices for small businesses -- a departure from their strategy to try to dismantle or repeal the 2010 health care law.
The change eliminated a cap on deductibles for small group policies American can buy directly from insurers or on the new health care exchanges. The cap was set at $2,000 for individuals and $4,000 for families.
Democrats describe the change as a straightforward improvement of the type they are eager to make, and Obama signed it into law.
Republicans say they sought the change so small businesses could offer high-deductible plans that could be bought by individuals who also have health savings accounts.
"Maybe you say it helps (ObamaCare), but it really helps the small businessman," said GOP Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., one of several physician-lawmakers in his party and an advocate of repeal.
The tax-preferred accounts are a long-time favorite of many Republicans, who say they give consumers greater control over their own health care.
No member of the House GOP leadership has publicly hailed the fix, which was included in legislation preventing a cut in payments to doctors who treat Medicare patients.
It is unclear how many members of the House rank and file knew of the relatively minor change because the legislation was passed by a highly unusual voice vote without debate.
Several lobbyists and Republican aides who monitored the issue said the provision reflects a calculation that no matter how hard the party tries, the earliest the law can be repealed is after Obama leaves office in 2017. In the meantime, according to this line of thinking, small-business owners need all the flexibility that can get to comply with it.
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House GOP breaks from repeal effort, get change in ObamaCare