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CMS actuary predicts GOP repeal bill will reduce coverage by 13 million

Modern Healthcare: The CMS Office of the Actuary on Tuesday estimated that the House-passed American Health Care Act would reduce insurance coverage by 13 million people by 2026 —10 million less than the Congressional Budget Office's prediction.But the actuary estimated that average net premiums paid by consumers in the individual insurance market in 2026 would be about 5% higher than under current law, and that average cost-sharing amounts would be about 61% higher.The CMS actuary's report projected that the AHCA, narrowly passed by House Republicans last month with no Democratic votes, would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $383.2 billion from 2017 through 2026. The spending reductions would stem mainly from repealing the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion to low-income adults.

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