McConnell: GOP may need to work with Democrats for short-term health measures

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) says Republicans might have to negotiate with Democrats to pass a health care reform bill.

McConell says he wants to keep working on both repealing and replacing Obamacare, but they may need to work with Democrats on short-term measures to stabilize insurance markets that are on the verge of collapse in many states.

Repealing Obamacare has been a signature issue for Republicans for the last seven years, but as Congress returns to work on Monday its proposed health care plan is on life support. The fate of the GOP’s plan lies with just a handful of Republicans.

Fourteen GOP senators say they have concerns about the current bill. Senate leaders can only afford to lose two Republican votes.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would leave 22 million people uninsured by 2026.

Last week, President Trump tweeted support for a plan to “immediately repeal” Obamacare and then work on a replacement “at a later date” if an agreement cannot be reached.

McConnell dismisses that option and still wants a deal.

“We have to solve the current crisis. I think repealing and then delaying the replacement doesn't work,” said McConnell.

McConnell acknowledges that if a deal cannot be reached in the Senate, they may have to work with Democrats to repair the existing marketplace.