Joe Manchin is quietly pushing Democrats into another catastrophe

[dalton99a]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/06/27/manchin-obamacare-subsidies-catastrophe/

Joe Manchin is quietly pushing Democrats into another catastrophe
By Paul Waldman and Greg Sargent
June 27, 2022 at 4:45 p.m. EDT

Stories about the potential expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies often refer to the issue as the “Obamacare time bomb.” And for good reason: If Democrats don’t solve this problem soon, millions of Americans will see their health insurance premiums spike at the beginning of 2023.

And letters informing enrollees of increased premiums would start going out in October — just before the midterm elections.

As of now, Sen. Joe Manchin III appears to be the primary obstacle to renewing the enhanced subsidies, which originally passed in the American Rescue Plan. Though the West Virginia Democrat is in negotiations with his party’s leaders about some sort of extension of the subsidies, if this doesn’t happen, he’ll be the reason.

As bad as this appears, there are other hidden reasons this is suddenly so urgent. First, if it isn’t resolved within the next month, states might need to assume it won’t happen and act accordingly. Second, if Democrats can’t get Manchin to come around, they risk squandering a political advantage on health care that took them literally a decade to build.

The 2021 pandemic relief bill included enhanced subsidies under the ACA for people who buy private insurance on the exchanges. Around 13 million Americans benefited from them, allowing them to pay significantly less for their health coverage. For many people, it reduced insurance costs down to zero.

An extension of the enhanced subsidies was supposed to be part of Build Back Better — but Manchin killed that bill. His comments on the extension have been vague; he has said he’s open to it, but wants to make sure the subsidies don’t go to wealthy families. Yet the subsidies are already means-tested, and always have been.

[Moostache]

1. If I never see the name "Manchin" again, I would not be sad (n/t)

[FoxNewsSucks]

8. There is one section of the newspaper that I'd be glad to see that name in

as soon as he's no longer needed for the numeric majority.

He's done so much damage to the Democratic party, and the country.

[JohnSJ]

2. Kind of adds another motivator to get out and vote in November, and win enough of a majority in the

Senate to make Manchin and Sinema less relevant

[usonian]

4. 54 or more. 52 is too few, but might do. nt

[JohnSJ]

5. 52 might do, but 54 would provide some breathing room for unknown

[usonian]

6. Absolutely, working on an improved rhyme.

Dammit, Kirk, I'm an engineer, not a poet!

[JohnSJ]

7. Lol

[OneGrassRoot]

3. ugh...

that motherfucker again.

Having been self-employed since the early 90s, after my divorce I couldn't afford health insurance. Not until Obamacare, with the subsidies, in 2016. And in 2017 cancer was discovered and I've had recurrences. Obamacare, literally, saved my life.

I sincerely hope Manchin doesn't fuck this up too.

[emulatorloo]

9. Manchin voted for Obamacare and voted to save it when McConnell tried to kill it. He seems

to get that his constituents really need it. Hopefully he’ll come thru again.

Sorry to hear about the cancer and recurrences. You are a hero and a fighter! Glad Obamacare helped you out.

[OneGrassRoot]

11. Thanks for the encouragement about Manchin.

[Colbert]

10. Relitigate previous cases

I suppose its best to deal with the hurdles as you approach them. But is there any fear that previous Obamacare cases will be relitigated and previous decisions thrown out by the Supremes? Wasn't Roberts' vote the only thing that saved National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, 567 U.S. 519 (2012)