A group of Republican governors met with Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, and some expressed concerns about the number of people who could lose insurance once GOP lawmakers repeal the Affordable Care Act.
One of the top concerns is what will happen to individuals who became eligible for Medicaid with its expansion under Obamacare. The Senate’s No. 2 Republican, however, promised that no one who got coverage under Medicaid expansion will lose it.
When Conrnyn was asked if he was concerned about people who’ve benefited from Medicaid expansion losing coverage, he said it was a shared concern.
“Were all concerned, but it ain’t going to happen,” Cornyn said. “Will you write that down… It ain’t gonna happen.”
Reporters followed up.
“You’re saying nobody’s going to lose coverage?” one asked.
“Nobody’s going to lose coverage,” Cornyn said. “Obviously, people covered today will continue to be covered. And, the hope is we’ll expand access. Right now 30 million people are not covered under Obamacare.”
It’s a point that not all Republicans are willing to go ahead and promise. After the same meeting, Gov. John Kasich (R-OH) said he couldn’t make any guarantees, but that he was in Washington to try to see what could be hashed out.
“I can’t guarantee anything. I’m down here trying to do my best to make sure we have a good plan,” Kasich said.
