Just one day after Republicans voted to begin debate over repealing Obamacare, their first effort at completely repealing the bill without a replacement has failed.
The results came down to a vote of 45-55, with 7 Republicans voting in opposition of the measure. Just two years ago, the same measure made it passed Senate but was vetoed by President Barack Obama.
“I’m for repeal and replace and we’re going to continue to work on a replacement,” Rob Portman (R-Ohio) said. “I didn’t think repeal only was appropriate because it didn’t provide for those people who are stuck in the status quo.”
Surprisingly, Sen. John McCain was one of the Republicans that voted against repealing Obamacare without a replacement.
The next option is for Republicans to come up with a replacement for Obamacare or consider a “skinny” repeal (modifying Obamacare and getting rid of the penalties requiring all citizens to have health care and all employers to provide it).
According to CNN Money, however, a “skinny” repeal would wreck the insurance market.
“If there is no longer a requirement for everyone to purchase coverage, it is critical that any legislation includes strong incentives for people to obtain health insurance and keep it year-round,” the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said in a statement. “A system that allows people to purchase coverage only when they need it drives up costs for everyone.”
