House Republicans say they finally have a plan to repeal and replace Obamacare — six years after the Affordable Care Act passed. And Douglas Holtz-Eakin, who wrote Sen. John McCain’s health plan in 2008 and now runs the American Action Forum, insists we need to take it seriously. Holtz-Eakin joined POLITICO’s Dan Diamond to make the case for the GOP’s white paper (starts at the 3:00 mark), what conservative policy wonks want to change about taxing health insurance (8:50), how he grades Republicans’ signature health care ideas (13:00), why he’s pessimistic about the Affordable Care Act (19:45), how he thinks a potential President Donald Trump would use the plan (27:20), and what he learned from writing the 2008 McCain campaign’s health plan (30:45). Plus: Don’t miss the lightning round at 39:30. We’d appreciate your help: Please share PULSE CHECK and rate us on your favorite podcast app! Have questions, suggestions or feedback? Email [email protected].

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