Michael Whatley Advocates for Health Care Reform, Targets Affordable Care Act
In the political arena of North Carolina, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. This federal program currently provides health insurance to an estimated 1 million residents of the state.
During a November 12 radio interview, Whatley expressed his dissatisfaction with the ACA, stating, “When you look at structurally what has happened since they passed Obamacare, prices have absolutely gone through the roof.” He further argued for a shift towards “market-driven solutions” in health care.
The rhetoric used by Whatley aligns with the recommendations found in A Plan to Repeal and Replace Obamacare, a report by the conservative Heritage Foundation. This report advocates for a market-based approach to replace the existing health care framework.
Despite Whatley’s claims, data suggests that while health care costs have risen since the ACA’s enactment in 2010, the pace of these increases has slowed compared to pre-ACA rates.
Whatley has also praised Senate Republicans for their role in blocking tax subsidy extensions meant to aid Americans in affording ACA coverage. This political maneuver contributed to a 44-day government shutdown, which temporarily disrupted SNAP benefits. The Senate is anticipated to revisit the subsidy extension issue in an upcoming vote, though its passage remains uncertain. Should the extension fail, approximately 888,000 North Carolinians might face increased health care premiums.
As Whatley campaigns to replace the retiring Sen. Thom Tillis, his potential Democratic challenger is former Governor Roy Cooper. Health care policy is anticipated to be a pivotal topic in the forthcoming election. While serving as governor, Cooper successfully expanded Medicaid in North Carolina, enabling 600,000 residents to gain access to low- or no-cost health insurance. In contrast, Whatley has endorsed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a proposal that could result in 700,000 North Carolinians losing Medicaid coverage.
Recent polling data from the conservative-leaning Carolina Journal indicates a competitive race, with Cooper currently leading Whatley 46% to 42%. This election is regarded as crucial in determining the balance of power in the Senate.
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