Democratic legislators have decried the lack of ACA stabilization measures in the upcoming federal funding bill, but Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., alleges they have purposefully hindered stabilization progress to create political ammunition for the upcoming midterm elections, according to The Hill.
In order to include funding for cost-sharing subsidies and reinsurance in the omnibus bill, Republican lawmakers have demanded tying in Hyde Amendment language, which would restrict insurers that provide abortion coverage from receiving federal money. Democrats have taken a firm stance against the Hyde Amendment, which has left ACA stabilization provisions out of the legislation altogether.
"Skyrocketing premiums are the direct result of Washington Republicans sabotaging the healthcare system, and they're going to be held accountable in the midterms," said Tyler Law, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, according to The Hill.
Mr. Graham said the Democratic opposition to the Hyde Amendment has more to do with campaigning in November than genuine policy concerns.
"They realize if we pass the stability payments, premiums will go down, not up, and they want to make it an issue [in the election]," said Mr. Graham, according to The Hill.