Two Theses on Health Policy

2026-01-20T17:54:41+00:00

Paul Krugman
January 10 / March 7, 2017

Republicans’ struggle to replace Obamacare reflects a basic policy reality they long ignored. Universal coverage through private insurers requires regulation, mandates, and subsidies; weaken any leg and the system fails. The proposed replacement largely accepts this logic but dilutes its pillars, risking higher premiums, market collapse, and the loss of coverage for millions.