As promised, Senate Republicans revealed the new version of Trumpcare yesterday.

They say it's a step forward - but is it really any better than the Medicaid-destroying tax-cut-for-the-rich-in-disguise they came out with a few weeks ago?

Even if it passes and decimates the healthcare system as we know it, has Trumpcare already made single-payer inevitable?

The bill does have some notable differences from its predecessor.

For example - it doesn't include as many absurd tax cuts for the rich, although it does give billion-dollar tax cuts to industry.

It also sets aside $45 billion to help with the nationwide opioid epidemic - and an additional $70 billion for high-risk patients.

Thanks to Ted Cruz, this bill would also allow insurance companies to sell plans that don't include Obamacare protections - something experts warn could cause an industry death spiral.

At it's core, though: the new version of Trumpcare is just like every other version of Trumpcare:

- it repeals the individual mandate

- it defunds Planned Parenthood

- it guts protections for people with pre-existing conditions

- and - most importantly - it slashes hundreds of billions from Medicaid and repeals its expansion under Obamacare.

Rand Paul is a "no." Susan Collins is a "no." Only one more "vote" kills this bill.

Will it pass?

-Thom

(What do you think? Tell us here.)

The Big Picture: Why Does Trump Prioritize Petro Billionaires Over Humanity?



Big Picture Interview: Activist/Actress Mimi Kennedy on Fraction Magic Voting

- Mimi Kennedy, Progressive Democrats of America/Mom on CBS





Big Picture Panel: Can You Say Oligarchy?

- Julio Rivera, Reactionary Times/Newsmax/Right Wing News/Politichicks







- Alex Lawson, Social Security Works