US Senator Bill Cassidy Appears On Jimmy Kimmel Live To Discuss Health Care
Louisiana US Senator Bill Cassidy appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to talk about his "Kimmel Test" when it comes to the nation's healthcare plan. Kimmel gave an emotional monologue last week about his new baby who was born with a heart defect, but surgery saved his life.
Cassidy told Kimmel that Congress needs to listen and adequately cover pre-existing conditions.
"So that if another child is born, that child can get the care she needs, not only on the first year, but every year thereafter as you mentioned so well," said Cassidy.
Cassidy said the plan that was passed by the House actually raises premiums. Kimmel said since Cassidy is the one who is proposing that any measure pass "The Jimmy Kimmel Test," the television host suggested what that could be.
"No family should be denied medical care, emergency or otherwise, because they can't afford it. Can that be the Jimmy Kimmel test," asked Kimmel.
"You're on the right track," said Cassidy. "If that's as close as we can get, that works great in government. But we've got to be able to pay for it, and that's the challenge."
Kimmel says lawmakers could find money to fund a healthcare bill by not giving millionaires like himself huge tax cuts.
Cassidy helped developed a Senate proposal that would allow states to keep Obamacare in place or come up with their own systems. He told Kimmel that President Donald Trump wants all Americans to be covered.
"He wants to take care of pre-existing conditions, without mandates," said Cassidy. "Americans hate mandates. And he also wants to lower premiums."