Democrats will have to come to terms with the failure of their ambitions to expand health care to two other groups — millions of poor Americans in Republican-controlled states and senior citizens.
[Three groups if you say the B-word.]
President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act required states to expand Medicaid to those earning up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. But the Supreme Court made such a move optional, and many GOP-run states refused. Advocates had hoped to ensure the plan extended Medicaid to cover these groups, which would have expanded coverage to roughly 2.2 million people, many of whom live in the South
[and many of whom are…Black?].
It was a huge priority for several vulnerable Democrats, such as Sen. Raphael G. Warnock (Ga.).
Last summer, more-liberal Democrats were also pushing for a major expansion of Medicare — allowing the program to cover vision, dental and hearing services. But that’s been out of talks since the fall.
The deal also cut some of Biden’s priorities, such as infusing hundreds of billions into home care for the elderly and those with disabilities.
And it doesn’t include provisions that could help provide health insurance for new mothers who earn low incomes, as well as some of the nation’s most vulnerable children. Earlier versions would have permanently funded coverage for low-income kids and expanded Medicaid to provide benefits for a year after giving birth in every state.
Joe “My Way” Manchin gets protection for his petro-millionaire cronies but Black Democrats, whose support of Rafael Warnock gave Biden the Senate and unwavering support for his domestic agenda, get fu#ked. Again.
And there’s that pesky voting rights thing. Please remind me again how the big tent works. And why progressives are a problem and not a solution.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/07/28/manchin-schumer-climate-deal/
Connect the Dots 101 
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