WASHINGTON — The results of the 2012 election stopped Republicans from achieving their dream of a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act, but the GOP is not done fighting Obamacare yet.
In a letter to President Obama obtained by The Daily Caller on Tuesday, congressional Republicans indicated that they plan to use creative tactics to chip away at parts of the law. Citing financial constraints of the law, Republicans are asking Obama to choose which programs he actually wants to fund.
The letter makes an issue out of the news last month that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is suspending enrollment in Obamacare’s Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan because of financial constraints. “This is another reminder that the costs of [Obamacare] are significantly understated,” the letter reads.
“Your Administration’s action will leave thousands of Americans with pre-existing conditions without access to health care,” the Republicans said in the letter, dated March. 5.
In order to continue to allow the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) to keep running, the Republicans are proposing that Obama transfer funds from other programs in the health-care law.
“We believe allowing those with pre-existing conditions access to health insurance is another worthy reason to reprogram these funds,” the Republicans write.
The Republicans suggest transferring funds from programs like the Prevention and Public Health Fund, the secretary’s transfer authority to assist with state based exchanges and comparative effectiveness planning.
The letter is signed by Speaker of the House John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy and Republican Conference chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Other Republicans who signed the letter include Energy and Commerce committee chairman Fred Upton, Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee chairman Joe Pitts and Rep. Michael Burgess, a medical doctor.
“Our goal has been and remains full repeal of the health care law, which is driving up health care costs and making it harder for small businesses to create jobs,” the Republicans say. “You obviously oppose repeal.”
The legislators continue: “But our disagreement on the broader issue of the law should not preclude us from working together to take this specific action on behalf of Americans in need of help. Please let us know if you would support this idea. We stand ready and willing to work with you.”
Read the letter: