Defenders of President Barack Obama's universal health care program are vowing to wage "total war" to block Donald Trump and congressional Republicans from repealing the Affordable Care Act, Politico reports.
Known as Obamacare, the program covers 22 million people. But Trump repeatedly attacked it during the presidential campaign and vowed to repeal it.
"We've got the battle of our lifetime ahead of us," said Ron Pollack, executive director of advocacy group Families USA, reports Politico. "We're going to have a huge number of organizations from all across the country that will participate in this effort."
But the website notes the options for saving the controversial program are limited.
Advocates of the program are unable to prevent congressional Republicans from passing legislation targeting the law. And, Politico reports, once Trump takes office, he can use his executive powers to "block, change, or put on hold key elements" of the legislation.
And while a total repeal would require massive changes, both Republicans and Democrats are gearing up for a fight.
"It's pretty high on our agenda as you know," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, according to Politico. "I would be shocked if we didn't move forward and keep our commitment to the American people."
But a senior Democratic aide told Politico, "We will fight tooth and nail against any attempt to repeal it."
Even if the law is repealed, officials caution those covered under the program should not expect immediate changes, The Hill reports.
There would likely be some sort of transition period so people are not kicked off their plans right away, the experts say.
"I don't think you can get anybody to say, 'OK, on Feb. 1 you're off,'" said Joe Antos, a healthcare expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, reports The Hill.