House Republican calls Democrats' demands on Medicaid, ACA a 'ransom note'

Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) called Democratic demands over Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) amid the government shutdown a "ransom note" during an interview on PBS "News Hour" Wednesday.

Haridopolos made the remark after host Amna Nawaz said Democrats will not backtrack from their demands to reverse Medicaid cuts and extend ACA subsidies.

"Well, first and foremost, let's recognize where we're at," Haridopolos said after Nawaz asked why Republicans would oppose those demands. "Their ransom note for this is $1.5 trillion."

"Let's also be clear, any Medicaid cuts that they talk about wouldn't take place until 2027, and a person who's disabled, who's elderly, who's a child of a low-income parent, let alone a pregnant woman, those are untouched," Haridopolos continued. "As you know, we talked about that in July."

Haridopolos said a bill on these matters would be "a smart thing," along with allowing the government to stay open.

"It's what [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer [D-N.Y.] said his entire career, and I'd like to think they can do it again," Haridopolos said.

In addition to letting negotiations resume and eventually reopening the government, Haridopolos said the nation needs to "move past the hyperpartisanship."

"In seven weeks, if we can't work out a deal, the Democrats will probably have a stronger hand," he said.

Haridopolos's words echoed those of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), who also said negotiations on the health care subsidies can continue while the government is open.

“If there are Democrats out there who will recognize it needs to be reformed and are willing to work with us … we are willing to have that conversation,” Thune said Wednesday.

Subsidies for plans purchased through the ACA have made health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans. Designed specifically for low- and middle-income people, these subsidies are expected to expire at the end of the year should Congress not extend them.

Of the 24 million Americans enrolled with the ACA, 22 million could see the cost of health insurance premiums spike.