Healthcare now belongs to Republicans

Bull City Blue
Aug 23, 2017 · 2 min read

Health insurance issues now belong to Republicans. Trump seems to think, erroneously, that if he lets the ACA fail, people will blame Obama and/or Democrats. Republicans are running the government — trying to at least. Any problem, issue, challenge, or obstacle that faces America needs to be handled by Republicans. Furthermore, credit for anything that America’s government decides and executes should go to Republicans; Democrats should also receive some credit for any bipartisan solutions. But for Trump to say it is Democrats’ or Obama’s fault for a policy he is in charge of administering is very foolish.

Other Republicans, predictably, continue to harangue the ACA as failed policy. Rand Paul recently typed words complaining that premiums will continue to increase. That may be true. Unfortunately, Paul does not seem to understand that the blame for this goes to him and the rest of the Republicans.

Running government requires people to assume responsibilities. Part of those responsibilities may involve administering policies the governing party didn’t enact and, frankly, doesn’t like. It is no secret that Republicans don’t like Medicare and Medicaid, for example, but it is their responsibility to run it. Democrats may not like particular military spending policies but they must follow what the government has previously decided.

It is not the fault of Obama or Democrats if Republicans aren’t able to repeal and/or replace the ACA. It is no longer the fault of Obama or Democrats if insurance premiums increase. They were increasing before the ACA, and they continue to increase after the law has been implemented — though, notably, at a slower pace than before the law. Republicans are uniquely positioned as the governing party in our country so they are responsible for fixing the problems our country faces. They are the ones responsible for increasing the risk and uncertainty that insurance companies face regarding the ACA. Premium increases that result from this risk are directly attributable to Republican actions and statements. Premium increases due to inactivity on pressing issues and outstanding problems surrounding ACA can also be credited to Republicans. Just like Obama received criticism over handling of the inherited Iraq War, Republicans must now deal with the reality of managing programs they don’t like. Welcome to government.

Written — 8/2/17

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