AUSTIN, TX - The Trump administration landed a win Friday in its ongoing efforts to undo the Affordable Care Act. A federal judge ruled the administration can make it easier to buy a cheaper alternative to Obamacare coverage.

  • Could lead to higher premiums for people in ACA-compliant plans
  • Texas Republicans argues the Obama-era law is unconstitutional
  • All eyes are now on the appeals court judges

The lawsuit centers on extending short-term plans, which are typically cheaper than Obamacare policies, because they're allowed to exclude those with pre-existing conditions.

That's an issue that could lead to higher premiums for people in ACA-compliant plans, and could become another political headache for Republicans in 2020. 

Meanwhile, a federal appeals court in New Orleans is weighing a request to overrule a Texas judge's decision to strike down Obamacare in its entirety, and Democrats. 

As an appeals court currently weighs the fate of the latest legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act, Texas Democrats and other health officials said ending it will be disastrous. 

"It means that about 21 million Americans will lose their health insurance coverage," said Congressman Llyod Doggett.  

Congressman Doggett slammed Texas Republicans for the state-led lawsuit that argues the Obama-era law is unconstitutional. He says without it, millions of Americans will be out of insurance, and that people with pre-existing conditions will be neglected. 

"The pre-existing condition that they're afflicted with as Republicans, and it's a serious pre-existing condition, it's called political amnesia," said Doggett.  

David Balat with the Texas Public Policy Foundation agrees with Republicans that the ACA should be overturned in court. He says the U.S. is too large and diverse for what he calls a one-size-fits-all system. 

"It's not compassionate to offer the promise of universality or coverage, if that coverage comes with a 5,000, or 6,000, or $7,000 deductible," said Balat.  

But as 2020 approaches, what would Republicans campaign on if the ACA is dissolved? Balat says the plan is to have no plan. 

"I think having a plan is what's gotten people in trouble. We've gotten away from giving people choices and competitive options, things that are available to people wherever they might be in this country," said Balat.  

Democratic State Senator Kirk Watson thinks that strategy could very-well backfire on Republicans in the Lonestar State. 

"In a state like Texas, which has such a high uninsured rate, they're going to face political consequences," said Sen. Watson. 

All eyes are now on the appeals court judges that could upend the health care law and with it, the turbulent politics of health care in Congress and the 2020 campaigns.

The Texas-led lawsuit is unlikely to be resolved at the appeals court. The losing side is all but certain to appeal the 5th Circuit panel’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.