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B²: Repeal and Replace is here!

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Stop us if you’ve heard this before…”Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced!”

Oh, that’s right. It’s the drumbeat we’ve heard for the past seven years, and last night House Republicans finally delivered.

Officially, leadership has dubbed it the American Health Care Act. Unofficially, some conservative members have nicknamed it ObamaCare Lite and ObamaCare 2.0. But, what’s in a name?

The version released last night is a rough draft to be marked up by a couple committees (Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means) before a full House vote in a couple weeks, which means…THIS WILL BE TOPIC #1 ON MOST REPORTERS’ SHORT LISTS.

You can bet that the more time this process takes, the less forgiving the media will be with their coverage. Reporters will demand specific answers for infighting, delays, and projections of a timeline.

So, what’s the best response you can give?

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day.

Here’s this week’s likely question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “There seems to be disagreement among Republicans as to whether this legislation goes far enough to repeal and replace ObamaCare, what’s the likelihood the American Health Care Act will pass Congress and be signed into law?”

B²: “We now have legislation to read and respond to, which is step one. The version released last night will not be the version signed into law. Regardless of what changes the House and Senate make before they vote, solid repeal and replace legislation will include <insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, focus on what good legislation will achieve. There is no need to spend 20-30 seconds voicing your frustration with the process (unless your job description says so). Talk policy and not process.

B²: Repeal + Replace

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In a few short days, GOP lawmakers have to turn in their repeal legislation for Obamacare – dun dun duuunnnnn.

But that’s probably old news as the mainstream media can’t stop talking about it in ALL CAPS:

“REPEAL WILL LEAVE 20 MILLION PEOPLE UNINSURED!”

…or…

“WITH NO REPLACEMENT PLAN READY TO GO, THOSE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN OBAMACARE COULD EXPERIENCE A LAPSE IN COVERAGE!”

Needless to say, people are afraid. The threat of losing health insurance is scary. But like most issues, there is more to the story than these headlines suggest.

So, how can you be the voice of reason and talk about a sensitive issue like Repeal and Replace in a news cycle that expects the worst? With emotion and numbers, of course!

Good thing it’s Tuesday, B² day!

Here’s this week’s likely media question and the B² (block and bridge) that sets the narrative straight:

Q: “If Obamacare is repealed, won’t millions be left without insurance?”

B²: “Not at all. Obamacare will be phased out, so the coverage people currently receive will continue until a new patient-centered healthcare system is established. <Insert talking point>.”

Wherever you take the conversation next, spin the narrative to highlight those at greater risk of losing coverage – the 25 million who currently pay out of pocket and receive no subsidies. Adding a data point about premium spikes in your state will help prove the point. We all know someone (maybe it’s you!) who has experienced rate increases and/or loss of access to their doctor. Tell these stories first and then insert a stat or two as evidence.