Economist says Obama 'fundamentally broke' US healthcare system, reveals simple fix for Republicans

A Heritage Foundation economist is blaming former President Barack Obama for the state of American healthcare and urging Republicans to make prices visible to patients as a first step toward lowering costs. EJ Antoni, the think tank's chief economist, made the case in an appearance with Fox Business host Taylor Riggs on "Big Money in the Morning," as insurance costs weigh on households.

Antoni said competition cannot push consumer prices down unless patients can see what care will cost and compare options beforehand. Hospitals and insurers already face price transparency requirements, though the coverage's usefulness to patients remains a matter of debate. Antoni held Obama responsible for a system in which people pay more in premiums yet receive less actual care. The Affordable Care Act widened coverage, but arguments over premiums and out-of-pocket spending continue to dominate the discussion.

Antoni also addressed Medicare for All, the single-payer plan promoted by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., which would supplant most private coverage. He argued older Americans would be hurt most, since many would be pushed away from plans they typically prefer, though any real impact would hinge on the final legislation.

Summarized by PolitiKool from Fox Business’s reporting. Read the full story at Fox Business →