Repeal And Replace Top GOP To-Do List But Completing That Task Brings Risks, Challenges
This ambitious and complicated undertaking, which would have significant impact on both the insurance marketplace and political landscape, is leading to differences in opinion among Republican lawmakers about how best to proceed.
The Los Angeles Times:
Republicans Finally Have The Power To Repeal Obamacare, But They're Still Not Sure How
Congressional Republicans, despite pledging to quickly repeal the Affordable Care Act, are struggling with what parts of the law to roll back and how to lock up the votes they will need, particularly in the Senate, to push their ambitious plans. (Levey, 1/3)
CNN Money:
Fully Repealing Obamacare Will Cost $350 Billion
A full repeal of Obamacare would cost $350 billion over the next decade, according to a new analysis from the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. This makes its wholesale dismantling much more complicated. Obamacare was carefully crafted in 2010 so that it didn't add to the federal deficit -- in fact, it boosted revenues slightly. The law affects the federal budget in three ways: coverage provisions, taxes and fees, and Medicare components. (Luhby, 1/4)
Modern Healthcare:
Could Delayed Replacement Save Key Parts Of Obamacare?
The phrase “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act long has been popular among Republicans. But the “replace” part has always been thorny. With Republicans taking control of the White House and having majorities in the Senate and House, the prospect of leaving up to 30 million people without healthcare appears to have chilled the rhetoric. Still, members of the newest Congress took swift action Tuesday to make good on their longtime promise of repealing the ACA. But more Republicans are suggesting a slow death of the landmark legislation and a gradual replacement. That opens the door to keeping key provisions of the ACA, such as subsidies to help people buy insurance and the provision allowing people to stay on their parents' plans until they're 26. (Muchmore, 1/3)
CNN:
What Obamacare Could Be Replaced With Under Trump
The so-called "repeal and delay" tactic, however, is not sitting well with some in Congress, particularly a few top GOP senators. Senator Lamar Alexander, who chairs the health committee, said if the process is rushed, harm may be done or mistakes made. These senators would like to wait until a more solid replacement plan is in hand so it's possible they will try to slow down the reconciliation process. (Luhby, 1/3)
The Wall Street Journal:
5 Things Things To Know About The Affordable Care Act - Briefly
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, known as Obamacare, reshaped the U.S. health-insurance market. The November election handed Congress and the White House to Republicans, who have vowed to repeal and replace the law. As President Obama heads to the Hill to defend his signature legislation, here are some things to know. (Evans, 1/3)