Highlighting what may well be his legislative priority when he takes office in 17 days, Trump tweeted out a pair of one-liners this morning taking aim at Obamacare. In what appears to be an attempt to set the stage for a repeal, Trump said that "Obamacare just doesn't work, and it is not affordable."
People must remember that ObamaCare just doesn't work, and it is not affordable - 116% increases (Arizona). Bill Clinton called it "CRAZY"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2017
The president-elect even utilized Bill Clinton words to sell his repeal effort....which is always worth another look.
Trump also utilized the words of Democratic Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton, who, back in October, called for changes to the healthcare exchanges in his state saying that "the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable" (we covered it here: "Democratic Minnesota Gov. Blasts Obamacare: 'Affordable Care Act Is No Longer Affordable'").
“Ultimately I’m not trying to pass the buck here but the reality is the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable."
“The Affordable Care Act has many good features to it, it has achieved great success in terms of insuring more people, 20 million people across the country and providing access for people who have pre-existing conditions alike, but it’s got some serious blemishes right now and serious deficiencies."
The Democrat Governor.of Minnesota said "The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is no longer affordable!" - And, it is lousy healthcare.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2017
Of course, the governor's comments came just 1 week after Minnesota Commerce Commissioner, Mike Rothman, posted a letter to the state's website saying that the state succeeded in preserving the exchanges for one more year by agreeing to massive rate hikes but warned they are on the "verge of collapse." The letter went on to describe Minnesota's healthcare rate environment as "unsustainable and unfair" and noted that "middle-class Minnesotans" were being "crushed by the heavy burden of these costs."
”Last year at this time when rates were announced, I said there was a serious need for reform in Minnesota’s individual market,” said Rothman. “This year the need for reform is now without any doubt even more serious and urgent.”
He highlighted Governor Mark Dayton’s recent decision to reconvene his Task Force on Health Care Financing to make recommendations to ensure that Minnesota consumers have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance options in the individual market.
“While federal tax credits will help make monthly premiums more affordable for many Minnesotans, these rising insurance rates are both unsustainable and unfair,” said Rothman. “Middle-class Minnesotans in particular are being crushed by the heavy burden of these costs. There is a clear and urgent need for reform to protect Minnesota consumers who purchase their own health insurance.”
Rothman said the reconvened Task Force on Health Care Financing should consider any and all feasible reforms. Above all, he said, it should offer recommendations that can be implemented in the next year to improve market stability and rates for 2018.
“We received over 50 public comments from Minnesotans as part of our rate review,” said Rothman. “I personally read each one. They told heartbreaking stories about how hard-working families are struggling with very tough, painful choices because of these skyrocketing costs. They say that health insurance is unaffordable, and they’re right. This calls for immediate reforms as everyone's top priority.”
Rate increases for 2017 ranged from 50% - 67% across Minnesota.
Just another example of Obama's "Remarkable Progress" that we highlighted yesterday.