I'm coming at it from the other angle. Republicans know they're stuck with an intractable problem. You can't cover people with large costs without raising the c

I'm coming at it from the other angle. Republicans know they're stuck with an intractable problem. You can't cover people with large costs without raising the costs for everyone. The problem for Repubs at this point is that those with large costs have already been granted access. It's much easier for them to deny those with pre-existing conditions access than it is for them to now take that away. Futhermore, Repubs can repeal ACA without Dems help but can't pass a new bill without Dems. I believe the goal at this point is to repeal ACA without Dems then push a hyper-partisan ACA replacement which the Dems will not vote for. Then Repubs can successfully lay the blame at Democrats feet for not coming to the table and passing the replacement.