Baker Details Impact of GOP Health Care Bill

Governor Charlie Baker

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker says the health care bill before the U.S. House could cost the state at least $1.5 billion in annual federal payments within five years.

The Republican governor details his administration’s analysis of the bill in a letter sent Tuesday to members of the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation.

Baker says the state is likely to lose at least $1 billion by 2020, increasing to $1.5 billion in 2022, an estimate that includes a reduction in Medicaid reimbursements and reduced federal subsidies for private insurance purchased through the state’s health connector.

The governor warns that could hurt Massachusetts’ efforts to maintain its highest-in-the-nation rate of insured residents.

The U.S. House is scheduled to debate and vote on the bill Thursday.