House to vote today on Republican health care plan

Republicans not getting the support they need in House

The Republican plan to replace Obamacare will face it's first true test Thursday morning. 

The House is expected to vote on the new American Health Care Act. It's nearly seven years to the day since President Obama signed his signature health care law. Now Former Vice President Joe Biden is trying to save it from extinction. 

Biden is rallying against the resistance and pushing Democrats to help defeat President Donald Trump's replacement plan. 

VIEW: What's inside the Republican health care bill

Meanwhile, Trump pitched Republicans Wednesday night as he tries to seal the deal. 

"The House bill ends the Obamacare nightmare, and gives health care decisions back to the states and back to the American people," said Trump. 

How new health care act affects Michigan

Here in Michigan, Gov. Rick Snyder is glad to see the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) being reformed. However, Snyder is not happy with the current proposal from Republicans. He is not happy with how it would affect Michiganders. 

For starters, the new health care act would eliminate Healthy Michigan which provides health care to low-income families. The governor also is concerned about keeping affordable premiums for people 50-64 years old and Medicaid, specifically the cost of specialty pharmaceutical costs. 

"There are three major issues that I wanted to make sure I was highlighting to Congress to make sure they have it on their list of things that need to be addressed as part of hopefully reforming the Affordable Care Act," Snyder said. 

There have been some last-minute tweaks to Medicaid funding, but an analysis from NBC News shows at least 27 Republicans are likely to vote no. The Republicans can afford only 21 of them to vote against it. 

STORY: Kochs pledge millions to reps -- if they vote no on health care bill

Republicans lacking support

It's an uphill battle on the Senate side, too. At least three Republicans are still balking at the bill, and Democrats are looking to capitalize. 

"The House should not walk this plank. They should not ask Senate Republicans to walk this plank. They should drop repeal once and for all," said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reviewed the American Health Care Act plan and said if this is approved and goes into affect 24 million Americans will lose health care. 

CBO report: 24 million fewer insured by 2026 under GOP health care bill

The CBO also said premiums could go from $1,200 to $14,000 each year. 

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.