Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told Newsmax on Saturday that Republicans are preparing an aggressive push to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, arguing that the law has driven up costs and failed to deliver the benefits promised by the Obama administration.
"They're not going back and looking at what President [Barack] Obama — all the lies he told about this. They're not acknowledging the fact that Obamacare caused premiums to skyrocket to that extent," Johnson said during an appearance on "America Right Now."
Host Tom Basile cited data showing average premiums increasing 169% since 2013, with some states seeing hikes nearing 400%.
Johnson argued that Democrats refuse to acknowledge what he described as "damage caused by Obamacare," pointing to testimony from a Wisconsin woman who lost employer coverage, was forced onto the exchange, and later took out a home-equity loan to cover medical bills.
"The problem is Democrats are in a complete state of denial," Johnson said, adding that Republicans might pursue changes through reconciliation or consider eliminating the Senate filibuster to advance reforms.
Johnson outlined several reforms he supports, including restoring high-risk pools to cover people with preexisting conditions, expanding health savings accounts and allowing consumers to purchase a wider range of insurance plans, including short-term and catastrophic coverage.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight’s special series and President Trump’s comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.