[aamar]

In the ideal world, we'd analyze all of the ACA's costs and benefits and decide whether or not to repeal. But realistically, the most visible "promised" benefits (not necessarily those promised by the authors of the bill) are overweighted in the analysis.

I believe the ACA should be understood to promise increased insurance rates leading to (a) less medical bankruptcy and (b) moderate improvement in certain healthcare measures (not mortality). I don't think it should be deemed a failure in any sense if it fails to reduce mortality amongst the newly insured.