The health reform bill, also known as ObamaCare, could see millions, if not billions, of dollars in funding disappear thanks to the recent debt ceiling agreement.
If the newly created super committee required to make spending cuts of at least $1.2 trillion over the next ten years cannot do so, the debt limit “triggers” will become effective. This would mean that the funds for many aspects of ObamaCare (at least 15 provisions) will be slashed across the board with no negotiation. More specifically, the top items at risk are grants to help states set up health insurance exchanges and funding for preventative programs and community health centers.
Given the administration’s assertions that health reform is necessary to reign in health care costs and improve quality, huge blows to funding could prove detrimental to bill and the few people who still believe that message. Therefore, I would imagine this has become a huge incentive for Democrats to make sure the triggered thresholds are never reached.
Good luck, super committee.
