Dem
47
GOP
53
While the Republicans don't seem to have the votes to kill off the ACA on a straight vote (remember John McCain's famous thumbs down sign in the Senate?), they have put up many barriers to enrolling in the hopes of saving money—and more important, denying healthcare to "undeserving people," like poor people. It is working. Enrollment this year looks to be down by 20% from last year. That means 5 million fewer people will have health insurance than in 2025. This is a feature, not a bug.
According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, many people who are covered will pay more for healthcare. The average deductible will grow this year by $1,000 and the average monthly premium will go up by $65. People will get worse insurance and pay more for it due to expired subsidies.
Another problem is that for middle-income Americans, those making too much to qualify for subsidies, but not making enough to pay for health insurance on their own, health insurance is now impossible. All they can do is pray they don't get sick or have an accident.
Healthcare is something the Democrats should be talking about day and night. You lost your health insurance? Blame the Republicans. You premium shot up? Blame the Republicans. You have a $7,000 deductible now? Blame the Republicans. It is pretty straightforward and could work well. (V)