Senate Republican leaders release revised version of health care bill

WASHINGTON - Senate Republican leaders released a new draft of their health care bill on Thursday that retains key taxes on the wealthy and allows insurers to offer plans that do not comply with Obamacare regulations that mandate they cover certain health services.

The bill also keeps Obamacare's limit on corporate tax deductions for executive pay in the health insurance industry, includes an additional $45 billion for the opioid epidemic and includes an additional $70 billion to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. It also left the Medicaid overhaul in the initial bill largely unchanged, which drew opposition from moderate Republicans concerned it would throw many of their most vulnerable residents off their health insurance.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz said on Thursday his proposal for allowing insurance companies to offer policies with less coverage than under Obamacare - if they also offer the higher-quality coverage - is included in the new bill.

'It is also very significant that the bill includes my amendment to allow individuals to use health savings accounts to pay for premiums. It's a big deal for lowering premiums, as is the consumer freedom amendment,” Cruz told reporters before closed meeting of Senate Republicans.

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Thursday said he would delay his chamber's August break in order to push forward final health care overhaul legislation if the Senate succeeds in passing their version before the scheduled summer recess.

Senate Leader Mitch McConnell has already said he plans to delay senators' typical monthlong recess by two weeks in order to try and pass a bill.