Jimmy Kimmel said in a monologue that Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy’s recent introduction of a healthcare bill in Congress, co-sponsored with Sen. Lindsey Graham, means “this guy, Bill Cassidy, just lied right to my face.” While the new bill ostensibly protects the pre-existing condition element of the Affordable Care Act, if you don’t have a lot of money you “might be screwed,” said Kimmel. “[Cassidy] said he would only support a healthcare bill that made sure a child like mine would get the health coverage he needs,” Kimmel said, “no matter how much money his parents make.” In Kimmel’s view Cassidy backtracked on that promise in the new bill.
Kimmel entered the healthcare debate this spring, after his newborn child had severe medical problems requiring expensive care. His 7-minute monologue said what many Americans have been complaining for decades — mainly that “yes” from a senator in person turns into “no” in Washington. The Jimmy Kimmel Test measures healthcare that not only protects pre-existing conditions but also includes people who aren’t rich. Kimmel says he has a new test and he invited Sen. Cassidy to take it. “It’s called a lie detector test,” Kimmel said. “You’re welcome to stop by the studio and take it anytime.” Cassidy is making the circuit promoting his bill — he says Kimmel “doesn’t understand” it. Jimmy Kimmel Live is on ABC weeknights at 11:35.
