Assuming the Republicans continue to fail in their drive for full repeal, what could the two parties agree on right now to improve our troubled healthcare system?
Admit we have a problem. Democrats need to admit their reforms are unpopular and not working as advertised. Republicans need to stop being in denial about how wonderful healthcare was before Obamacare and step up with better solutions.
Start over. This doesn't necessarily mean starting from scratch. Why not agree to fix what's broken and keep the parts that work?
Listen to Americans. They want lower healthcare costs and lots of personal convenience and control. They dislike the individual mandate. They don't want “universal coverage” if it means significantly higher premiums. They don't appreciate losing their health plan absent affordable alternatives. Not everyone wants a Cadillac health plan; some are content with a Smart Car.
Hit the brakes. Clearly, the exchanges are broken. They should be scrapped, or put on hold for at least a year. Suspend the individual and insurance mandates. Pass a few targeted reforms to lower costs: Allow 100% deductibility of medical expenses. Provide temporary funding for state pools to cover pre-existing conditions. Grandfather health savings accounts. And discuss ways to shift control to the states.