Subsidizing insurance just props up dysfunction. Empower consumers instead

Congress ended its impasse to reopen the government, but the Democrats’ reason for the shutdown remains unresolved: the renewal of expiring subsidies for insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans offered an olive branch to end the standoff by proposing to make payments into Americans’ health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts. Although this idea was not realized, the proposal should not be forgotten as the parties work on compromises for long-term government appropriations. The Republicans’ plan would allow individuals to choose between putting the money toward insurance premiums or spending it directly on health care. This offers a refreshing change from the top-down approach to health care that has dominated both political parties for generations.

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