GOP unveils revised Senate healthcare bill

Senate Republican leaders released Thursday a revised version of the GOP healthcare bill aimed at winning more support within the party caucus. The latest version keeps the overall structure of the Better Care Reconciliation Act but includes a few key changes. Thursday’s draft adds $70 billion on top of the $112 billion already earmarked for states to help reduce insurance premiums and costs for individuals. It also allows individuals, for the first time, to use health savings accounts to pay for insurance premiums. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., failed to win over key conservatives last month when he released the first draft of the bill. This new version includes language inspired by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah that grants states the option to provide insurance plans that don’t meet the minimum standards under Obamacare, as long as the states offer plans that work just as well. Lee said McConnell’s new draft doesn’t include the actual amendment he and Cruz proposed, but it offers something similar. Lee added he would withhold judgment until he could review the text of the bill. In an effort to win over moderate Republicans, McConnell also threw in an additional $45 billion to fight opioid addiction. He plans to push a motion to proceed with the new bill early next week and allow lawmakers to offer amendments before scheduling a final vote.