TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 06, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The late Senator John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) defiant “thumbs down” gesture, defeating the Republicans’ last attempt to keep their (and his) campaign promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), will probably be an enduring part of his legacy, states the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS). But what will happen now that this hero—or villain—of the obstruction to President Trump’s agenda is gone?
The political picture is murkier now, as the midterm elections approach, states AAPS. Partisans of ACA are aggressive about preserving it, at least until their preferred single-payer system can replace it. AAPS notes that a Twitter posting under #HealthCareVoter warns that confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court would “rip health care away from people with pre-existing conditions,” as ACA might yet be declared unconstitutional.
Even more importantly, states AAPS, most Republicans really don’t want to repeal ObamaCare. They have accepted the flawed core elements that have caused the outrageous premium increases: the “consumer protections” that ban affordable insurance, with premiums based on risk.
The “pre-existing” mandate “created a monopoly to gouge consumers,” as Daniel Horowitz describes it, states AAPS. It destroyed the market for everyone and helped very few. “Coverage is not care—it often is a barrier to needed medical care,” observes AAPS executive director Jane Orient, M.D. “Directly paying the actual medical bills for uninsurable conditions would be far less costly than subsidizing government-favored managed-care plans that profit from denying care.”
“Most Republicans in Congress appear to lack the understanding and the courage to buck the Washington agenda of endless subsidies, mandates, and regulations,” she stated.
“But if they will end coercion, permit voluntary decisions by patients, and stop outlawing competition, sensible insurance and innovative care could thrive outside the iron grip of ACA’s central planners.” Meanwhile, Dr. Orient added, “Those who like their ObamaCare could keep their ObamaCare.”
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) is a national organization representing physicians in all specialties, founded in 1943. It has outlined a voluntary approach to repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.