By failing to identify private insurers as wicked the WH does a disservice

[alc]

8. they can't without a public option

The government needs insurers more than insurers need the government. There's a big danger in attacking them unless you think the republicans will go along with getting a public option up and running in a few days.

Insurers can make the ACA work as well or poorly as they want at this point and they will do what they think is their best long-term interest. And the MLR which so many people love (80% premiums go to med costs) can be flipped around. The ONLY way to increase profit on ACA policies is to increase medical costs and premiums. If regulators complain about premium increases they will counter with a list of items that they want to pay for but can't because the "death panels" won't allow. We have a long way to go before everything settles down, and insurers are in the driver's seat since their dropping out of the exchanges or significantly reducing their provider lists will kill the ACA (unless there is a public option).