The current Republican plan for partial repeal of ObamaCare is replete with downsides that make political opportunists on the left salivate. But consider the recent statement by Aetna’s CEO that ObamaCare is entering a “death spiral” as higher premiums drive healthier customers from the marketplace. This permits a better approach.
The GOP can’t fully repeal ObamaCare because Senate rules requiring 60 votes give Democrats the power to prevent not only the passage of legislation but even its consideration on the floor. Thus Republican leaders have mapped out a plan to repeal the budgetary aspects of the Affordable Care Act under a procedure called “reconciliation,” which requires only a simple majority. The political logic is that voters demand action, and partial repeal through reconciliation delivers some.
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