WASHINGTON, D.C.: Republican leaders unveiled a retooled health care bill Thursday (Friday in Manila) aimed at salvaging President Donald Trump’s top legislative priority, but the fresh effort was already on life support as it faced skepticism from within the party. Like the previous version, the new draft eliminates Obamacare’s fundamental requirement that almost all individuals obtain health insurance. In another nod to moderates, the revised bill jettisons plans to repeal two taxes on wealthy Americans that help pay for Obamacare, and preserves a tax on health insurance executives. Portman said he still was not sure if he could support the bill. ‘Still deeply concerned’Concessions to conservatives include giving states flexibility to let insurance companies offer cheap, no-frills plans alongside those that include certain health benefits mandated by Obamacare.

Source: Manila Times July 14, 2017 14:26 UTC