EDITORIAL: Next, in the health care debate

Akron Beacon Journal (OH)

Sept. 28--Senate Republicans haven't given up. Some already are talking about folding a repeal of the Affordable Care Act into legislation to alter the tax code. They are doing so in the wake of the majority abandoning plans for a vote this week on the grossly flawed Cassidy-Graham measure, the leadership unable to rally the necessary 51 Republican votes.

Might the majority succeed in a tax bill? Republican divisions over how to proceed on health care may be compounded by their differences on taxes.

Again, Republicans in charge of Congress have an opportunity to address a problem: the instability in the individual market for buying health insurance. If they had taken up the task earlier, following the previous repeal-and-replace debacle, they could have helped individual buyers for next year.

Unfortunately, the deadline for insurers to finalize their contracts with the federal government passed on Wednesday. That means the uncertainty surrounding the online insurance exchanges has been baked into premiums, increases at double digits in many places.

For those receiving subsidies to ease the cost, the change will be negligible, the assistance keeping pace with rising prices. Those aided by smaller subsidies, or none at all, will feel the squeeze with many forgoing coverage.

It did not have to be this way. U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, and Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat, launched an effort to shore up the exchanges serving the individual market. They have the backing of governors, Democrats and Republicans. Leaders in the health-care industry recognize the urgency in making repairs.

Without the fixes, many Americans with chronic illnesses will find themselves again lacking adequate coverage or just one severe episode away from financial ruin.

Alexander and Murray backed off as the Republican leadership chose to focus on the Cassidy-Graham repeal. Yet their discussion gave shape to a possible compromise, including a commitment to subsidies crucial to the participation of individuals and insurers, plus enhanced flexibility for states. Alexander and Murray understand the need for an improved individual mandate to buy coverage.

Now they should be encouraged to renew their work.

Republicans long promised to repeal and replace. The problem is, they lack a credible idea for the latter. Most Americans receive health coverage through their employer or Medicare or Medicaid. They are relatively pleased. The greater problems afflict many who buy coverage on their own.

Why not notch a win by making sensible, bipartisan repairs, as opposed to the Trump White House seeking to harm further the exchanges? That could advance joining to curb costs. Republicans have jabbed Democrats for going it alone on health care, though they were left with little choice. Yet Republicans have taken their solo act to new extremes. Try again? How is it working so far?

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