The GOP is scrambling to respond to a new CBO report on the House health care plan which, as Democrats have been anxious to point out, estimates that 23 million fewer Americans would have health insurance over 10 years, that some older Americans would pay far more, and that those with pre-existing conditions may have difficulty getting on plans. The GOP messaging:
- The CBO report affirms our goals: Per Paul Ryan, "This CBO report...achieves our mission: lowering premiums and lowering the deficit."
- The CBO report is wrong: HHS Secretary Tom Price said, "The CBO was wrong when they analyzed Obamacare's effect...and they are wrong again."
- We're starting fresh anyways: HELP Committee Chair Lamar Alexander said, "It's informative to know the estimated impact of the House health care bill — but the Senate is writing its own bill..."