Cheat Sheet Q&A Part 2: Is the GOP healthcare proposal Obamacare lite?:
Bottom Line: In part 1 I depicted how and why I have serious reservations about the Republican proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. I originally characterized the Republican proposal as being 40% less awful than Obamacare. That's probably about right after having taken a closer look at what they've proposed. So another question I was asked yesterday was if I'd support it or if Republicans should pass it. This is one of those moments in which my pragmatism enters the equation and I tend to upset everyone.
For now I think the proper path forward is to advocate for the end of the current insurance first model as I've outlined previously. This can be done by contacting your representatives and encouraging others to do so. The question ultimately comes down to...what if it's this plan or nothing? Here's what I'm not. Idealistic. I'm a fiscal conservative who believes in flat taxes with no dedications, no federal subsidies, taxes credits, etc. for any industries or people & the abolition of a federal mandated health insurance policy in the first place. Does that mean that I only support politicians or ideas that fit that mold? No or I'd never vote. I understand that the only way I'll have a candidate and/or proposed policy is if I'm in elected office to effect that kind of change. As a pragmatist however, if something is better but not what I want or believe in - I'll support it if the choice is no change. In The case of this healthcare proposal, which I've characterized as 40% less awful than Obamacare. That's some incarnation of bad right? However if there is no other policy option that's advanced would I prefer to see it passed rather than having the existing system remain in place? Yes, it's 40% less awful. It's similar to what I've stated with regard to local elections - which is timely given that municipal elections for many of us are just around the corner.
Being a fiscal conservative in Palm Beach County is a lonely feeling most election days. I rarely agree with even half of the policy ideas that are advanced by the politicians I vote for locally. But that's better than not voting and having a candidate I don't agree with anything on win. So that's the rub. I hope this proposal is improved but even if it isn't it's less bad than what we have now even if it isn't good. Sometimes less bad is as good as it gets. Rand Paul is right but if given no other choice other than Paul Ryan's plan... We'll cross that bridge when we get there.