Senate Candidate Whatley Advocates Replacing Obamacare with Market Solutions

Michael Whatley Advocates for Health Care Reform, Suggests Repealing Obamacare

In a recent development, Michael Whatley, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, has voiced his opinion on the contentious issue of health care reform. During a radio interview on November 12, Whatley suggested that the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare, should be repealed to pave the way for market-driven health care solutions. This legislation currently provides insurance to approximately one million residents in North Carolina.

“When you look at structurally what has happened since they passed Obamacare, prices have absolutely gone through the roof,” Whatley stated. “We need to get the government out of the way and get back to market-driven solutions on health care.”

Whatley’s comments echo sentiments from a report by the Heritage Foundation titled A Plan to Repeal and Replace Obamacare, advocating for a shift to a “market-based approach” in health care.

Despite his assertions, the data indicates that while health care costs have increased since the 2010 enactment of Obamacare, the rate of increase has actually slowed compared to previous trends.

Additionally, Whatley praised Senate Republicans for their role in blocking the extension of tax subsidies essential for making Obamacare affordable. This action led to a 44-day government shutdown, temporarily impacting SNAP benefits. The Senate may reconsider the subsidy extension next month, though its passage is doubtful. Should it fail, nearly 888,000 North Carolinians might face doubled health care premiums.

Looking ahead, Whatley aims to replace retiring Sen. Thom Tillis and is expected to face former Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, in the upcoming election. Health care policy is anticipated to be a critical issue in the campaign.

While serving as governor, Cooper successfully expanded Medicaid in North Carolina, providing low- to no-cost health insurance to over 600,000 residents. In contrast, Whatley has supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which could lead to 700,000 North Carolinians losing Medicaid coverage.

According to a November 18 poll by the conservative-leaning Carolina Journal, Cooper currently leads Whatley 46% to 42% in the Senate race, a contest that could influence the balance of power in the Senate.