The GOP is stuck in a "perfect storm" the Democratic Party could capitalize on ahead of the midterms next year, according to an analysis.
Political commentators Greg Sargent and Grace Segers believe the ongoing health care strain on the House is nothing but good news for the Democratic Party. Though the midterms may be a year out, Sargent and Segers believe the longer-term damage will be a benefit to candidates running next year as voters are inherently more likely to trust Democrats over Republicans on health care.
Sargent, speaking with The New Republic, explained, "So how bad do you think the health care system is going to get? Are we going to see a spike in the uninsured rate? Are we going to see a lot of suffering? Are we going to see a lot of rural hospitals really struggling?"
"It seems to me that we’re looking at a bit of a perfect storm of factors here that are really bad. And we were kind of on a track to something good with the Affordable Care Act—at least, you know, at certain times over the last few years. The big story was kind of that it was lowering the uninsured rate, which was a real progressive achievement."
Whether it's a benefit or not for Democratic Party candidates in future, Sargent noted "we're headed for real trouble through the system" regardless.
Seger agreed, adding, "So I do think that this is somewhat of a perfect storm in terms of a health care crisis over the next couple of years, because it’s not just losing these enhanced subsidies; it’s also the changes that we’re seeing to Medicaid."
The growing problems for health care come as the House narrowly managed to pass a health care bill, despite a revolt from moderates. Speaker Mike Johnson's narrow victory — the House voted 216-211 — came amid significant turmoil within Republican ranks, as moderate members staged an open rebellion throughout the day, Politico reported.
However, the report noted the House bill faces certain death in the Senate and does little to resolve the deepening Republican divide on the expiring subsidies, which stand to send millions of Americans' premiums soaring. Party members plan continued negotiations into next year.
The legislation expands small business health plan options, targets pharmacy benefit managers, and establishes alternative subsidies for out-of-pocket costs, according to the report.
Johnson ultimately refused to allow a floor amendment on extended credits. In response, four House Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition, forcing a January vote on a three-year subsidy extension.
