USA TODAY

Letter to the editor:

House Speaker Paul Ryan made the case in his op-ed, “Our health care plan for America,” that Obamacare is a “collapsing law (that) is driving up health care costs and driving out choices for American families.” He is correct. Unfortunately, the alternative he unveiled this week accepts the flawed progressive ideas of Obamacare. And, in some cases, expands upon them.

It is true that the American Health Care Act repeals significant portions of Obamacare. The proposal also creates a new subsidy that health care experts note would be available to those at 850% of the federal poverty level. By comparison, Obamacare’s subsidies were only available to those at 400% of the federal poverty level.

Why would Ryan and his colleagues embrace this approach? Because the proposed plan leaves many of Obamacare’s burdensome insurance regulations in place. These mandates drive up costs, making insurance unaffordable and health care inaccessible. For many Americans on the individual market, there will be no noticeable difference between the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and the new American Health Care Act.

That is bad politics and, more important, bad policy.

This is not the bill Americans were waiting for or the policy we deserve.

Michael A. Needham,Heritage Action for America; Washington, D.C.

Letter to the editor:

Let’s see, the Republicans’ health care plan seems to keep all the aspects they liked about Obamacare, such as admittance to plans with pre-existing conditions and child coverage, but removed the aspects they didn’t like, such as: individual mandate, penalties and tax increases that actually paid for those benefits they do like. Can’t wait to see what the Congressional Budget Office figures will show as to what the costs of this plan will be. Not to mention how many people will lose coverage under this plan. Texas Rep. Kevin Brady said, “There is nothing left there” of Obamcare. That’s just another example of “alternative facts” that seem to permeate Washington.

Tom Horgan; Milwaukee

Policing the USA

Our health care plan for America: Paul Ryan

We asked our followers their thoughts on the Republicans’ health care plan. Tweets are edited for clarity and grammar:

It’s House Speaker Paul Ryan proving that even after years, he can’t come up with something better than Obamacare.

— @audlaq

Thank you, Ryan. We’ve been waiting for this replacement a long time. Now, if we can just get it through Congress.

— @LindaLHoyt1

This is a giveaway to insurance companies and the rich, while jeopardizing the health of the majority of the people.

— @PWelu

Ryan has a vastly higher intellect than President Obama. I think he should make quick work of Obamacare and give us something great.

— @BigTisha11

I would’ve preferred no replacement plan, but this is a step in the right direction. The major issues were repealed, for the most part.

— @FistedWizard

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