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Kasich-Hickenlooper Health Care Reform Plan Is Drawing Bipartisan Praise

L-R Ohio Governor John Kasich and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
Ohio and Colorado's state websites
L-R Ohio Governor John Kasich and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper

A new bipartisan health care reform proposal meant to stabilize the Affordable Care Act urges President Trump and Congressional leaders to take immediate action. The plan put forth by Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich and Colorado’s Democratic Governor, John Hickenlooper, is drawing praise from some other governors too. 

The plan calls for continued federal cost sharing subsidies to insurance companies so they can continue to reduce deductibles and copays for low-income people. It also exempts insurers who offer coverage in underserved counties from paying a federal tax. And it allows residents in those counties to buy into a program giving them the same health care as federal workers. The proposal also calls for keeping the mandate that people buy insurance - something some conservatives wanted to eliminate. But it allows states more flexibility in covering essential benefits under federal law. Kasich says the plan is the result of true and real compromise in practice. 

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.