GOP's 'Obamacare' repeal path worries health care industry

WASHINGTON (AP) - Key health care industry groups are telling the incoming Republican administration and Congress that it's not a good idea to repeal the 2010 health care law without clear plans to address the consequences.

Hospitals, insurers and actuaries - professionals who make long-range economic estimates - weighed in recently, and more groups are expected to make their views known. Representing patients, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network reminded lawmakers that lives are at stake.

Concerns go beyond the obvious potential hardship for 20 million people covered by subsidized private insurance and expanded Medicaid under President Barack Obama's signature law.

Hospitals say a stand-alone repeal would cost them billions, compromising their ability to serve local communities.

Actuaries worry about destabilizing the entire individual health insurance market, not just government-run HealthCare.gov.