Over six years ago the Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama. The act was passed on completely partisan lines without a single Republican vote. Since this massive piece of legislation was rammed through by the Democrats, they bear all responsibility for it. Republicans predicted from the start that Obamacare would eventually be a disaster. In recent weeks Obamacare has undergone some further scrutiny as it begins what many coin the “death spiral.” Currently, many health insurance companies like Aetna and UnitedHealth Group are leaving the program due to soaring costs. Due to this increase it is estimated that over 1.4 million people will lose coverage next year. As companies leave, people have fewer choices for providers. The enrollments are nowhere near what was expected and, with limited options, the program as a whole is teetering on the brink of failure. Over 17 of the Co-ops created under Obamacare have already failed and the number is expected to rise. Then, there are the costs of Obamacare. Billions in taxpayer money have been spent on encouraging signups and running the exchanges. Recently, it’s been discovered that premiums on average will rise by 25%. More and more people will be unable to afford health insurance. This is happening across the nation.

This is exactly what Republicans have been saying since the inception of the law in 2010. Now, the Democrats are just starting to realize the mess they have created. Former President Bill Clinton recently said “So you’ve got this crazy system where all of a sudden 25 million more people have health care and then the people who are out there busting it, sometimes 60 hours a week, wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half. It’s the craziest thing in the world.” Then Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton said, “the reality is the Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable for an increasing number of people.” Even the New York Times has acknowledged that Obamacare is facing many problems that could jeopardize the program. Those who once championed the program are now starting to realize what they have created. 

Looking at Obamacare in the context of the 2016 election it is clear who has the better stance on the issue. Hillary said in the Democratic debates that “You know, before it was called Obamacare, it was called Hillarycare.” She plans to continue Obamacare with a few minor tweaks. Obamacare is a disaster that needs more than a few tweaks. Now Donald Trump is far from being what is considered Republican or Conservative. He is not the right spokesperson and does not have a proven record of advocating for Republican positions. Nevertheless he is the nominee and when compared to Clinton solely on health care, he has the right ideas for health care reform. Recently Donald Trump announced his seven-point health care plan. While he talks extensively on each point and outlines a broad vision for health care, the first two points should be the main focus. First he says that Obamacare must be repealed. Second is modifying laws that prevent health insurance from being sold across state lines. This is a great way to increase competition, an area Obamacare greatly struggles in. Trump’s plan in entirety can be found on his website and it’s worth the read. Obamacare is potentially going to collapse entirely and will be a major problem for the next president. Hillary Clinton wants to continue on this path to destruction initiated by she and fellow Democrats. Health care needs some major changes and Obamacare is clearly not the answer. Despite Trump’s numerous issues and lack of Republican ideology he has the right approach to fix our broken health care.