As the debate for repeal or changes in the Affordable Care Act is about to begin again, it is interesting to note that the four most important facts have been obscured by political one-upmanship. Little if any of the four great facts facing the ACA and the public are heard from either political side, the media or the health care providers.

What are these important facts? The number of insurance companies offering coverage through the ACA exchanges has been decreasing yearly. The number of those insured has decreased. The premiums for the insurance have been increasing exponentially, pricing that causes many more of the insured to drop out — which in turn will cause more insurers to drop out. The number of health care providers that accept ACA provisions is decreasing. Basically the public is paying more and getting less while some need to travel distances to find care.

The simple truth is the ACA is in danger of imploding. Renovation and responsive repairs are necessary. And yet the real needs of the public are ignored with mindless political fighting.

BILL YORK
Upper St. Clair

First Published: September 22, 2017, 4:00 a.m.