Pros And Cons Of Repealing The ACA

Repair, Repeal or Replace?

Taking into account the notion that health care is a highly polarizing issue between the two major political parties, it is essential that we assess alternatives to the Affordable Care Act that might be pursued by the current administration. There are three strategies that may be considered individually or in combination with each other. The three strategies are repairing the existing Act, repealing the Act, and replacing the Act.

Repairing the ACA

This entails fixing the ‘glitches’ in the Act and ensuring that there is some compromise between the two major political parties. This scenario considers the rising public approval of the law. Currently, 54% approve the law as opposed to the 44% who approved of the law

These two problems are interdependent as insurers exiting the marketplace will lead to less competition in turn causing the rising premiums.

These problems can be solved by adopting several strategies. First, the government can provide a public insurance option on the exchange particularly in areas where a single insurer is monopolizing the market. Second, the government both federal and state can use the size of the exchange market to enter into negotiations with insurers in order to bring prices down. Third, mandate that all insurers who supply insurance to the individual market participate in the exchange. Fourth, the risk corridors can be re-instated to encourage insurers to engage in the marketplace.

In conclusion, regardless of how the law is repaired there is a clear asset in repairing the law. We can build on the progress made by the Affordable Care Act and salvage the resources that have been invested by various stakeholders. Moreover, care and coverage of individuals interacting with the health care system as a result of the provisions of the Act will not be

A repeal of the ACA would increase the number of uninsured individuals by 29.8 million. Rise in uninsured individuals will lead to increase in uncompensated care. Furthermore, repeal during the course of the year, especially of the individual mandate can lead to healthy individuals refusing to pay premiums and withdrawing from the insurance market. Consequently, insurers will have to pay the cost of providing care to the sickest individuals which will not be offset by healthy individuals paying premiums. Beyond immediate consequences, a repeal will have far-reaching impact. For instance, if unforeseen circumstances are created through a repeal without a replacement we risk losing the participation of a majority of insurers in the next calendar year. Hence ‘repeal and delay’ a strategy being reviewed by some Republicans could lead to a volatile health care system. It is unwise to repeal existing law without substituting an alternate legislation in its place.

Ultimately, expert analysis reveals that a likely repeal bill would not only reverse recent gains in insurance coverage, but leave us with more uninsured and uncompensated care than before the Act was