Thune: Progress being made on Medicaid ‘wraparound’ | TheHill – The Hill

Sen. John ThuneJohn ThuneMcCain returning to Senate in time for health vote Overnight Healthcare: Trump pressures GOP ahead of vote | McConnell urges Senate to start debate | Cornyn floats conference on House, Senate bills | Thune sees progress on Medicaid GOP seeks to meet referees rules on healthcare repeal MORE (R-N.D.), a member of GOP leadership, said progress is being made on a change to the GOP health bill that could unlock the support of key moderates.

The Medicaid "wraparound" would allow some states to use additional funds to help low-income people who are likely to lose Medicaid coverage afford the premiums and deductibles for private insurance.

Thune wouldn't say how much money would be attached to the proposal, but leaders have about $200 billion to play with.

"I don't think it would necessarily be $200 billion, but there would have to be some allocation," he said.

But a new study says that figure would not be enough to fund private coverage for people who would lose insurance because of a halted Medicaid expansion.

Republicans are expected to voteTuesdayon a motion to begin debate on a healthcare bill, but leaders don't yet know which bill it will be.

It will either be a clean repeal bill passed by Congress in 2015 or the repeal-and-replace bill Senate Republicans have been working on recently.

The latter proposal currently lacks the support to pass, with several moderates worrying about how it could impact those who gained coverage through ObamaCare's Medicaid expansion.

The "wraparound" proposal is a way to try to get the support of moderates such as Sens. Lisa MurkowskiLisa MurkowskiManchin on GOP lawmakers suggestion for a duel with female senators: Ill step outside with him Unhappy senators complain about healthcare process Thune: Progress being made on Medicaid 'wraparound' MORE (Alaska), Rob PortmanRob PortmanMcConnell to pin down colleagues on healthcare Unhappy senators complain about healthcare process Thune: Progress being made on Medicaid 'wraparound' MORE (Ohio), Dean HellerDean HellerThune: Progress being made on Medicaid 'wraparound' Trump slams 'sad' Republicans who won't 'protect' him Trump backers eye GOP primary challenges for Flake, Heller MORE (Nev.) and Shelley Moore CapitoShelley Moore CapitoManchin on GOP lawmakers suggestion for a duel with female senators: Ill step outside with him Trump cuts loose in front of massive crowd at Boy Scouts' Jamboree Thune: Progress being made on Medicaid 'wraparound' MORE (W.Va.)

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Thune: Progress being made on Medicaid 'wraparound' | TheHill - The Hill