MCCARTHY HOPEFUL ON OBAMACARE REPEAL

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield hopes the Senate may be close to repealing and replacing Obamacare, despite dropping Republican support for the latest effort.

During a recent swing through the city, McCarthy said the major sticking point has been how to cover a projected trillion dollar Medicaid deficit over the next 10 years using block grants. McCarthy says the law known as Obamacare is collapsing and points to Anthem Blue Cross’s decision to exit the Kern County market as proof.

The Senate has until Saturday to pass their current bill and send it to the House before more votes are required for passage.

Kelli Pierce