#TXLEGE: Texas' Obamacare Victory Opens INTRIGUING Possibilities

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."
Galatians 6:9

Via Lauren McGaughy:

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas will work to pass its own health care law to replace the Affordable Care Act if it's ultimately struck down in the courts.

After Friday's ruling by a Fort Worth judge that struck down the federal health care law, Abbott said Monday he will consult with the Trump administration on immediate next steps while state lawmakers and regulators fashion their own plan to succeed it.

"As the ACA lawsuit goes through the appellate process, Texas will work with the administration to get appropriate waivers from federal law allowing insurers to provide coverage at lower rates while ensuring that Texans with pre-existing conditions continue to have access to quality health care," Abbott said.

"Additionally, Texas will begin the process of reforming state regulations and proposing changes to laws that will achieve those same goals. Importantly, Texas will strive to expand health care insurance coverage, reduce the cost of health care and ensure that Texans with pre-existing conditions are protected."

Abbott then tweeted Texas would "be ready with replacement health care insurance that includes coverage for preexisting conditions."

....

"It's time to get started now, not to wait for the ultimate outcome of this case," Rob Henneke, general counsel of the Austin-based Texas Public Policy Foundation, said in a call with reporters Monday morning. When Texas lawmakers convene their 2019 session in January, he said, they should be "looking at the issue of pre-existing conditions. We need to look at ways of creating guaranteed-protection pools."

Henneke added that states should prioritize "market-based solutions but also regulations that will provide for choice."

Good.  The Texas GOP's lack of vision on health care has been driving this author insane for several years.  This is true at both the state and federal levels.

Obviously, the medical establishment will fight reform.  But...so what?!?  In the language of godawful Capitol euphemisms, now is the time to "begin the conversation."

Then there's the fact that, you know, lack of vision on health care played a role in the Texas GOP's loss of standing with suburban voters.

Bottom Line: Last friday's ruling offers the Texas GOP an opportunity to make tangible progress towards health care freedom.  They should take it.  They might even discover voters like those sorts of things....