The only way to get something done on healthcare that actually would be beneficial to most Americans and would pass would be to work with the Democrats.
The current law has some issues.
The Republican bill is garbage.
Democrats are not going to repeal the ACA.
So they have to look at specific issues and see what to amend.
Republicans hate the mandate but that is a key driver to make it affordable.
Republicans hate the subsidies but they make it affordable for millions.
Republicans hate the extra tax on high earners but that helps pay for the subsidies that make it affordable.
Republicans hate the regulations but they are there to make sure the coverage actually covers enough.
I haven't heard much about the exchanges, which gives choices which is good.
Republicans are mixed on Medicaid expansion. The real conservatives do not like it because it is a government expense but moderate Republicans do not want to see their specific constituents (voters) lose that help.
The Republicans want to exchange subsidies for some, for tax credits for all.
That makes it completely unaffordable for low earners. Which is why they want to remove the mandate. Cant afford it. Can't get it. We're not even going to tell you that you have to have it. We don't care.
The two parties can work together to review which regulations help and which have good intentions but do nothing and hurt businesses.
They could change the wording of the mandate where it isn't legally required to have coverage, but they could put large incentives to get coverage.
They both like the part where you can stay on your parent's coverage until 26.
They both like covering pre-existing conditions, except for the Freedom Caucus which would be totally outnumbered once you combine Dems with Repubs.
It would be very hard to take away benefits already given.
Cutting the extra taxes is politically easy, but paying for those cuts isn't.
Obama put the Republicans in a very difficult position by passing a law where Americans now expect to get help with healthcare.