The implosion of the GOP's effort to gut Obamacare drew a mix of cheers and expressions of dismay across Georgia as health care providers, insurers, consumer advocates, lawmakers and voters struggled to grasp what it means for the future of health care in the Peach State.
One thing is certain: the collapse of the GOP plan means Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act will remain the law of the land for the foreseeable future as Republicans set their sights on tax reform and other key issues.
But will the Trump administration work to shore up the health law they campaigned against in order to help stabilize access to insurance for millions of Americans? Or could they instead undermine Obamacare to score political points and set the stage for a second chance at tackling the politically thorny issue?
GUIDE: The Affordable Care Act in Georgia
The sudden turn of events in Washington comes at a critical juncture for the health law as insurers prepare to announce next month whether they will continue to offer coverage in the health law’s insurance exchanges. Their decisions will be a key indication of their confidence in the system and will help determine what many Americans must pay for premiums.
Read more: Georgia to explore Medicaid changes after GOP health plan's implosion
Meanwhile, many eyes in Washington and the state will now shift to former Georgia congressman Tom Price.
As President Donald Trump's top health official, Price has unparalleled authority to shape the future of the Democratic health law he long demonized by making tweaks to regulations, some of it without the input of the public or Congress.
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