re: Why not a standalone bill for Medicaid block grants?

It's an idea that makes alot of sense. But, as was played out for all to see, republican factions make consensus on anything nearly impossible.

The conservative faction wanted full repeal. They viewed watered down version as worse than letting obamacare fail. Moderates would never agree to full repeal.

A party that's essentially unable to govern won't be able to agree on block grants either. Gridlock will continue.