Obamacare Criticism - President Trump advocates for direct payments to individuals instead of subsidies to profitable insurance companies [1] - Obamacare is deemed unaffordable and irreparable, with premiums significantly increasing [6][7] - The industry argues that Obamacare consolidated the market, reducing choices for consumers [21] Proposed Healthcare Alternatives - The proposal suggests giving subsidies directly to individuals, allowing them to choose plans that suit their needs and rewarding healthy behavior [8][11] - The industry emphasizes the need for competition and choice in the healthcare market to drive down costs [21] - The industry suggests allowing insurance companies to operate across state lines to increase competition [13] Political and Policy Considerations - Republicans aim to remove politics from healthcare policy and involve professionals to create an affordable, free-choice system [18] - Democrats are criticized for using healthcare as a leverage point and for supporting a system known to be flawed [16][14] - Concerns are raised about increasing the number of uninsured individuals if Obamacare is repealed without a viable replacement [20] Profitability of Insurance Companies - The industry questions the rationale behind subsidizing insurance companies that are already highly profitable [4][5] - Some insurance company stocks have seen substantial increases, such as rising from $30 to $330 per share [5] - The industry acknowledges that well-intentioned government regulations can dampen competition and increase healthcare inflation [12][13]

Welcome back. And joining me now is Democratic Congressman Ro K Connor of California. Congressman Connor, welcome back to Meet the Press.>> It's a pleasure to be on. >> It's fantastic to have you here in person. We really appreciate it.Let's start and pick up on my conversation with Senator Kaine. You heard him there arguing. He believes Democrats did get some concessions.He also believes there was a near zero chance that Republicans were going to come to the table and actually vote on extending Obamacare s ...

I want to bring in Arizona Democratic Congresswoman Yasmin Ansari, member of the House Oversight Committee. Uh first, I want to get your take on the president getting personally involved here, uh trying to use some pressure on rep your Republican colleagues to change their vote, going so far as to bring one of them into the situation room. >> First of all, thank you so much for having me.I think the president's personal involvement in trying to pressure and threaten Republican members of Congress to remove ...

This is the best part of the greatest city on earth. We have the best hospitals and schools, restaurants and museums. The financial and media capital of the world.This district should have a representative who can harness the creativity, energy, and drive of this district and translate that into political power in Washington. I'm not running because I have all the answers to our problems. I'm running because the people of New York 12 do.I want to listen to your struggles, hear your stories, amplify your voi ...

Healthcare Costs & Subsidies - A Texas family of four faces a premium increase from $1,200/month to over $3,500/month without subsidies, resulting in over $43,000/year out-of-pocket costs [2] - Subsidies are critical to about 20 million people, highlighting the importance of addressing healthcare costs [3] - The cost of healthcare is rising across various sectors, including Medicare, Medicaid, and employer plans [4] - In 2023, insurers received an estimated $92 billion in ACA subsidies [7] Affordable Care Act (ACA) & Potential Changes - The current administration's proposed approach of giving people money to negotiate healthcare on their own could potentially destroy the existing healthcare market for 20 million people [5] - The ACA ensures that individuals with pre-existing conditions cannot be refused coverage or charged more than the group plan rate [6] - The speaker suggests that the current administration doesn't understand or care about healthcare, particularly the ACA [5][11] Alternative Healthcare Models - Medicare and Medicaid have the lowest administrative costs, leading to a discussion about Medicare for All as a potential alternative [9] - The current system involves individuals not supported by employer plans buying their own coverage with certain protections [10]

Healthcare Policy & Debate - The report highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, with criticisms of rising premiums and its overall effectiveness [1][2][4] - The discussion includes potential alternatives to Obamacare, such as directing funds to individual accounts for people to purchase their own health insurance [2][3] - The report mentions the political divide and disagreements within the Democratic party regarding healthcare policy and government shutdowns [4][5][6] Impact on Individuals & Families - The report emphasizes the real-life consequences of rising healthcare costs, with individuals and families facing difficult choices about affording health insurance [8][9][10] - It cites examples of individuals in Rhode Island who are struggling to afford healthcare due to increasing premiums and potential loss of tax credits [8][9] - The report underscores the concern that many Americans may have to go without health insurance for the first time in their lives [9][19] Political Leadership & Accountability - The report suggests a need for new leadership within the Senate Democratic caucus due to perceived failures in delivering healthcare solutions [5][16] - It mentions internal criticism of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his handling of the government shutdown deal and healthcare negotiations [5][14] - The report contrasts the House leadership's handling of healthcare funding with the Senate's, highlighting a lack of unity in the Senate [15][16] Potential Solutions & Future Actions - The report discusses the possibility of extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent further increases in health insurance costs [8][18] - It mentions ongoing conversations among senators regarding a potential deal on healthcare, with a guaranteed vote in December [12][13] - The report calls for Republicans to present an alternative healthcare plan if they oppose extending the ACA tax credits [10][11][18]

Joining me now uh is the view from the House side of things and that's Democratic Congressman of Pennsylvania Brendan Bole who says that he is a hell no on this Senate deal. Uh Congressman Bole, you just heard uh the reaction from your fellow Pennian uh Senator Federman. Uh he obviously feels as though it was time to reopen the government.Uh why do you feel differently. >> Oh, I disagree with that characterization. I have from the very beginning, House Democrats have been united saying that it was Republica ...

government shutdown in history. Now in its 40th day, senators are working their first weekend since the shutdown began six weeks ago, looking for a way out. But Speaker Mike Johnson has extended the House recess for yet another week.The House last met on September 19th. In the meantime, panic continues for travelers as thousands of flights are canceled or delayed, a problem that is set to get worse if the shutdown drags on. And millions of lowincome families are now facing new delays in SNAP food benefits a ...

The Affordable Care Act uh open enrollment opens tomorrow and millions of Americans are going to see dramatically higher premiums because enhanced tax credits are going to expire. Meanwhile, President Trump is calling on the Senate to get rid of the filibuster, which would allow Republicans to reopen the government. The president made the request via very long social media post last night. The filibuster, of course, is a long-standing tactic in the Senate that blocks or delays votes on a bill. 60 votes are ...

The last word with Lawrence O'Donnell who is back starts right now. Hi Lawrence. >> Hey Jen. Um I haven't taken any uh what animals that questions uh lately. Uh I don't remember them being too tough uh whenever I did take them. That's for sure. >> Me neither. We could pass those with flying colors. I'm fairly certain. But we wouldn't be given them so frequently. I don't think either. >> Uh it is. You're seeing madness at work every day down there. >> No question about it. >> Right. Thanks, Jen. Thanks, Lawr ...