A proposed amendment meant to break the impasse on the Senate health care bill could potentially destabilize insurance markets and harm people with pre-existing conditions, according to an American Health Insurance Plans' white paper obtained by The Hill.

The proposed amendment by Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) would allow insurers to sell plans that both comply and don't comply with standards set in the Affordable Care Act, the newspaper reported. But in its position paper, AHIP said such a policy would result in more expensive plans for the sick.

"The Exchange markets would basically function like a high-risk pool — with unaffordable premiums for those with pre-existing conditions," the association said. "As premiums rose, only those with the highest health needs and expenses would remain, thereby accelerating the decline in the Exchange market."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reportedly is considering putting the health care bill to a vote as early as next week. He recently announced the Senate would delay the start of the August recess until the third week of the month so lawmakers could work on the bill and other issues. http://bit.ly/2uRHu1C

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