The top local stories this morning from KERA News:
Texas’ two U.S. senators are split over their chamber's version of a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act.
Ted Cruz Thursday said he couldn't back the bill. Three other GOP senators did the same. The Senate can only afford two "no" votes from Republicans and still pass the measure. John Cornyn supports it, and Thursday on the Senate floor, he said he was open to negotiations.
The Better Care Reconciliation Act eliminates the individual mandate requiring people to purchase health insurance. It also phases out certain benefits insurance plans are currently required to provide, such as preventive care screenings, emergency room visits, maternal and newborn care and lab tests.
The plan keeps some popular Obamacare provisions, such as barring denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Also, allowing people to stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until age 26.
Senate leaders hope to pass the bill before the July 4 recess. The House already passed its version of a repeal-and-replace bill last month.
Other stories this morning:
- The Fort Worth Star-Telegram this week got its first new editor in nearly two decades. Lauren Gustus replaces Jim Witt, who retired last fall. (Photo credit: David Kent/The Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
You can listen to North Texas stories weekdays at 8:22 a.m. and 6:20 p.m. on KERA 90.1 FM.