They wanted to not cover pre existing condition and higher rates for sick people according to Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas.
As I recall, even the excellent Paul-Sanford bill covers pre-existing conditions for a period of around 2 years, so they could probably could have waited and phased the PECs out later.
As well they should, because that's not insurance, it's welfare.
If the working American taxpayer favors a huge new out of control welfare program, they can pass it separately, on its merits. Right?
The Welfare indolelent will certainly vote for it, but who will pay for it?
The gibesmedats, through Obama, already broke Social Security.