Republican lawmakers are looking for ways to repeal the ACA without causing 20 million Americans to lose the health insurance they gained under the law, which may involve preserving parts of the ACA for up to four years, according to Politico.
"We need to talk with all the other parties in this and make sure that we have a smooth and stable transition," a senior GOP congressional aide told Politico. "That's what is going to drive what we do — not necessarily what works best politically."
Conservative Republicans in the House Freedom Caucus want the transition period to be as short as six months, while insurance companies contend they need at least 18 months to price insurance plans and adjust to new market rules, according to the report.
Prior conversations limited the transition period to three years, but senior GOP congressional aides indicated Thursday the transition period could last up to four years, according to the report. However, after Politico published an initial report on the matter, one aide said a four-year transition had not been discussed internally.
Congressional Republicans are considering implementing a replacement plan in a piecemeal fashion, with small bills that address one part of the ACA at a time, according to the report. Their goal will be to expand access to healthcare by lowering insurance costs and lessening federal regulations.