Rip it out 'root and branch' or carefully unwind it? Republicans at odds over ACA repeal approach

Republicans in Congress are conflicted over the best approach to repealing the ACA, The Hill reports. Meanwhile, Republican President-elect Donald Trump has indicated he might be willing to compromise and save certain parts of the healthcare reform law, according to an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Mike Lee, R-Utah, want to rip the ACA out "root and branch," according to The Hill. Other conservative members of Congress favor a longer, smoother transition away from the law to ensure those who gained health insurance under the ACA are able to keep that coverage in some way, according to the report.

Mr. Trump is also considering a flexible approach to the repeal. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Trump said President Barack Obama suggested protecting a few elements of the law during their meeting at the White House Thursday.

Mr. Trump told The Wall Street Journal he will take Mr. Obama's suggestions into consideration. In particular, Mr. Trump favors keeping requirements for insurers to cover patients with pre-existing conditions and allowing children up to age 26 to remain on their parents' health plans, according to the report.

"Either Obamacare will be amended, or repealed and replaced," Mr. Trump told The Wall Street Journal.

Congress is likely to take up the ACA repeal issue shortly after Mr. Trump takes office, as he has indicated he will make healthcare a top priority of his presidency.

 

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