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Thursday, March 28
The Indiana Daily Student

College Republicans at IU discuss healthcare

Recent Sanders, Cruz debate sparks talk about the future of health insurance

Freshman Brendan Blankfield, left, and freshman Charles Frank, watch highlights from the Feb. 7 healthcare debate. They joined the College Republicans at IU for a discussion about the future of healthcare in the United States.

Young conservatives argued that Americans, including those with preexisting conditions, are not entitled to government healthcare during a debate watch Wednesday night in the 
Kelley graduate building.

“What fire company would sell you fire insurance the day after your house burns down?” sophomore Konnor Cook said.

College Republicans at IU gathered to watch highlights from the recent healthcare debate on Feb. 7 between Sens. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX). They also had a discussion about the ideas presented by the men.

During the debate, Cruz said he believes the Affordable Care Act is too costly for taxpayers, which ultimately makes it more difficult for Americans to get the healthcare they want. He suggested repealing the mandate and allowing citizens to have a wider variety of options for their coverage.

On his end, Sanders argued for the government to keep the ACA and protect even those who have already been diagnosed with life-threatening diseases. He said providing healthcare for all Americans would help battle income inequality and make sure everyone is entitled to the same treatments.

The College Republicans discussed their own views after watching about 30 
minutes of footage.

“Both senators bring up really good points, even if you disagree with their opinions,” vice chairperson Nicole Keesling said. “It’s worth discussing.”

Some of the College Republicans made their opinions known before the group began the talk among members. They laughed at mentions of the ACA and nodded in agreement for its repeal as they watched YouTube clips of the two politicians.

Freshman Josiah Parr already had his opinions formed before the College Republicans debate recap, he said. Since he missed the debate when it first aired, he thought it would be helpful to come watch highlights.

Parr said he believes healthcare is too expensive right now. He doesn’t know what can be done to fix the issues in the system, but he disagrees with providing a safety net for most people. The only exceptions are those who truly need it, like veterans and retirees, he said.

He hopes for a solution that can balance cost-efficiency and good protection for those who use the 
healthcare system.

Parr pointed to France’s model, which is controlled by the government even more than America’s, as an example of a country that is unable to find this balance.

“I think they’re doing the right thing to help the most people, but it’s not the most economically sound system,” Parr said.

Keesling also said she wants to see a compromise between cost and efficiency in any potential new plan. She said she does not believe the government should force anyone to purchase 
healthcare.

Instead, she said she wants private companies to be able to freely compete. Only the best will stay in business, still allowing Americans to have better coverage, she said.

Despite her goals, Keesling said she is not sure how any of this could be achieved, which is part of the reason the club sponsored a talk on the issue.

“If I had some really good ideas then we probably wouldn’t be having this discussion tonight,” she said.

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