In the 40 some attempts in the U.S. House, led by a Republican majority, there never seemed to be a great deal of concern over the execution of the website, but more a desire to “repeal and replace” Obamacare with something more to the preferences of Republicans.

But can anyone recall any construction over the three years since the ACA became the law of the land, what the Republican “replace” plan has as its design?

For example, how would Republicans end the cap on lifetime insurance without signing up many more insured? What was their plan for closing the Medicare Part D “donut hole,” an Obamacare solution that has already saved seniors billions of dollars? And how, under the “replace” plan was free preventative care provided?

And more fundamentally, how would Republicans address the issue of millions of the uninsured simply going to emergency rooms for free treatment while the bill for that treatment is passed on to those paying for healthcare insurance?

Given the lack of answers to any and all of these issues, and a failure to even address the central issue of healthcare in America, the out-of- control cost increases. It is apparent that the Republican “replace” plan was, in terms republicans like using today, a fabrication, a lie.

In the same vein Republicans in condemning Obamacare for three years have invented a litany of laughable charges like “death panels” to critique the ACA with false claims.

But today the Republicans are truly offended; offended because the program they shut down the government to defund is not having success with its website. And so the politicians that wanted to kill Obamacare are telling us they are angry because more Americans cannot sign up for the program.

That is more than just a little disingenuous. House and Senate hearings are, to be fair, not in the least attempts to help register Americans needing insurance; rather they are yet the latest attack design to replace Obamacare with the Republican plan, which is comprised of…nothing.

The latest shift in the Republican attack is the cancellation crisis, where several hundred thousand Americans, as many as 2 percent, have had their insurance policies cancelled. But like their other misrepresentations, Republicans got the facts wrong here too.

For many without corporate insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, their policies expire and are renewed annually. This allows insurers to adjust prices and coverage. So when the cancellations came this year the reason was suddenly not the annual policy review, but Obamacare.

Mike Moyer, an Ohio businessman, and his wife had their policy cancelled because, according to Mike, the policy did not have maternity coverage. Mike might have believed that had not the Dayton Daily News helped him uncover his insurance options under Obamacare.

Mike’s insurer, Reserve National, only offered more expensive renewal options. The newspaper then went to the now infamous website and found that Mike and his wife could purchase better coverage for $100 less than his current monthly cost of $800.

Better coverage with lower deductibles and improved copays for less. Mike will not have an insurance problem, but in fact a better deal, thanks to Obamacare.

So will many others by participating in healthcare exchanges where competition will drive prices and simplify shopping.

It might be better for Republicans to try governing and allow Americans to determine if they approve of Obamacare by their experiences with it in the next year.

As it turns out this Republican House has accomplished less in terms of legislation that any group since Calvin Coolidge was president.

Do the people’s business, please.

 

Jim Crawford is a retired educator and political enthusiast living here in the Tri-State.