Speaking of lying, why are Republicans resorting to distortions and lies to convince the electorate that the ACA needs to be repealed?  For example, health insurance costs are not rising due to the ACA.  As stated above the rate of increase has been cut almost in half. According to NPR, insurance premiums are on the rise but not because of the ACA. Obamacare does not cut benefits for those on Medicare. Tax dollars do not go toward providing immigrants who are in the country illegally with free health insurance. Undocumented immigrants are prohibited from getting care under the ACA.

President Trump continues to say that the ACA is imploding, “Whether or not Republicans repealed and replaced it in the next few years it’ll be gone … it’ll be imploded off the map.” According to JAMA, “President Trump has said on various occasions that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is imploding, exploding, or collapsing. There is very little evidence for this… The Medicaid component—which expanded eligibility up to 138% of the poverty level for all adults—seems to be working just fine…”  JAMA continued, “…the enrollment mix has skewed more toward individuals who are older and sicker than insurers expected, and many had to raise premiums significantly in 2017—22% on average for benchmark plans in the marketplaces. So, maybe the ACA marketplaces are, in fact, collapsing?              The evidence suggests otherwise. Enrollment declined by about half a million in 2017, but even so, 12.2 million people signed up for coverage in the marketplaces, hardly a sign of collapse.”

            So, as Trump and Republicans scramble to repeal the ACA, more and more people are asking why? According to NPR, “Republican members of Congress aren't exactly getting a warm welcome in their home districts during this week's recess. Angry constituents have confronted legislators at town halls across the country, upset over everything from the GOP's plan to repeal and replace Obamacare, the Trump White House's travel ban, alleged Russian interference in the U.S. elections and more.”

            In a nutshell, too many Republicans wish Barack Hussein Obama had never been elected. Since they cannot rewrite history and erase him from the history books they are doing everything in their power to eliminate his accomplishments and Michelle’s healthy school lunch program as well.  Too many of them would rather eat their bigotry and hatred than sit down and enjoy a good meal.

According to The NY Times, “Their (Republicans) health care plan provides a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. And it will make it easier for Republicans to pass more tax cuts this year.”  At the end of the day, their “plan” is a fraud and their marketing is based on lies and distortions… “alternative facts”. It’s making me sick.

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Dr. Wilmer Leon is the author of Politics Another Perspective, Producer/ Host of the nationally broadcast call-in talk radio program “Inside the Issues with Wilmer Leon,” on SiriusXM Satellite radio channel 126. Go to www.wilmerleon.com or email: wjl3us@yahoo.com. www.twitter.com/drwleon and Dr. Leon’s Prescription at Facebook.com

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