How the Republican Health Agenda Could Play Out

The worm is about to turn in health policy and politics when Republicans shift from throwing stones to owning the problems of the health system and the Affordable Care Act or its replacement, as President Barack Obama and Democrats have for the past eight years. It’s hard to predict how events will play out, but it’s likely that grand plans to repeal and replace Obamacare, convert Medicaid to a “block grant” program, and transform Medicare into a premium support program could be whittled down or delayed as details of such sweeping changes, and their consequences, become part of the debate.

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December 5th, 2016
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Ryan: Obamacare Repeal Is First Priority Under Trump
 Repealing Obamacare will be the first priority of congressional Republicans when Donald Trump takes office in January, House Speaker Paul Ryan told CBS’s “60 Minutes.” “Well, the first bill we’re going to be working on is our Obamacare legislation,” he said in an interview airing Sunday night, though he declined to offer a timetable. “We want to make sure that we have a good transition period, so that people can get better coverage at a better price.” When pressed by anchor Scott Pelley, who asked about a three-year transition, Ryan said, “I don’t know the answer to that right now. What we know is we have to make good on this promise. We have to bring relief as fast as possible to people who are struggling under Obamacare.”

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December 5th, 2016
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Seven Ways Tom Price Could Quickly Change Obamacare

Incoming Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price is now assisted, instead of annoyed, by the big, executive powers granted by Obamacare.

As Price takes the helm at HHS, he will succeed Obama appointees he had sharply criticized for taking wide latitude in implementing the Affordable Care Act.

Now that the tables have turned, and Republicans hold the White House, Price will have the ability to reverse, rewrite or do away with dozens of rules and guidance spelling out exactly how individuals, businesses, health providers, insurers and states should comply with the healthcare law’s many requirements.

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December 5th, 2016
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