Battle lines re-form as ACA subsidies die

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s decision Thursday to cut off health care subsidies has once again revived the longrunning debate over the Affordable Care Act, increasing the potential for a government shutdown in December and making the issue central in next year’s midterm elections.

The move to end insurer subsidies could propel premiums an average of 20 percent higher next year for those who purchase insurance on the individual market, according to a nonpartisan congressional analysis.

Mr. Trump and Republican allies defended the move as removing a giveaway for insurance companies, and they blame rising premiums on fundamental flaws in former President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform law. But Democrats called it an act of sabotage against the ACA for which the GOP will be held responsible at the polls.

The dispute sets the stage for another wave of political battles over the nation’s health care system, as Republican lawmakers will need to decide whether to authorize the subsidies through legislation as well as whether to once again attempt a broader repeal of the ACA, popularly known as Obamacare. Democrats could also use a Dec. 8 appropriations deadline to threaten a government shutdown if the subsidies are not restored.

The party’s leaders stopped short of such a threat Friday. But Democrats warned more broadly that escalating Republican efforts to undermine the ACA — which also included an order by Mr. Trump on Thursday loosening insurance requirements — would be used against the GOP in the 2018 elections.

“Republicans in the House and Senate now own the health care system in this country from top to bottom, and their destructive actions, and the actions of the president, are going to fall on their backs,” Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, DN.Y., told reporters Friday. “The American people will know exactly where to place the blame when their premiums shoot up and when millions lose coverage.”

Democratic campaigns immediately seized on Mr. Trump’s move to undermine the ACA, blasting supporters within hours with emails askingthem to sign petitions.

“He’s willing to let people die if it means he can claim a big political win,” said a message from the Democratic National Committee. “Call it craven, call it heartless and cruel. But don’t let this moment pass you by.”

Bipartisan health talks are underway in the Senate, led by Sens. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, D-Wash., respectively the chairman and ranking Democrat of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.