Again? Health care debate expands for 2016

WASHINGTON (AP) — America's health care debate has been called an unhealthy political obsession.

The candidates in both parties are offering options across the political spectrum, from a system wholly run by the federal government to dialing back Washington's commanding role.

If Sanders keeps gaining traction, the wonkish term for a government-run health care system could become a household word.

Supporters say having the government take charge of health care finances would slow the growth of spending, keep things affordable for patients, and improve overall quality.

Money that employers and individuals now pay for premiums would have to be diverted to government coffers — a massive tax increase.

"For Republicans it's their last chance to litigate the Affordable Care Act," said Jim Capretta, an expert on entitlement programs at the conservative Ethics & Public Policy Center in Washington.

'Repeal' is a winning issue with the GOP's political base, but the 'replace' part gets tricky because Republicans don't agree on an alternative.

A plan that repeals federal mandates and reduces insurance subsidies would probably leave more people uncovered.

"Seniors have been tilting Republican in the last elections," said Robert Blendon, a public opinion expert at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.