WASHINGTON (AP) – With time running out to get votes for the Republican plan to repeal and replace “Obamacare,” President Donald Trump has shown he’s willing to make a deal. But could he wind up with a plan that doesn’t line up with some other campaign promises?
As the tumultuous talks dragged on Thursday, one demand from lawmakers in the conservative Freedom Caucus was removing the federal mandate under Obamacare that insurers cover such basic services as prescription drugs, maternity care and substance abuse treatment.
Looking to win support, the White House offered to make the change, but the proposal irked some more moderate members and the future of the provisions remained fluid late Thursday night.
The prospect of changing those Affordable Care Act requirements drew criticism from Democrats and patient groups, particularly women’s health organizations, who said such a move could impact people’s ability to get health care plans that cover their needs.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer said that currently “people are paying for benefits that neither they, their spouse, their family needs.”