Republicans in Washington are committed to repealing Obamacare right away. What they’ve been less enthusiastic about is putting the same timetable on passing policies that would replace Obamacare with market-oriented reforms.
An idea called “repeal and delay” has become quite popular with Republicans. This would allow them to take a quick vote to get rid of Obamacare, but delay the actual repeal of the law for a few years while they come up with policies to replace it.
Such a strategy is wrongheaded.
Repeal of Obamacare should be accompanied by reforms that will lower costs, ensure the continuation of coverage, and reduce federal regulation of our health care system. Republicans have been debating and discussing these ideas for years. By kicking the can down the road, and promising that they’ll come up with a replacement for Obamacare in the future, Republicans only place their own political fortunes—and the health care system—at risk.
They need to not just repeal Obamacare, but be prepared to put good ideas in its place, right away.
