Republicans’ long-awaited plan to replace former US President Barack Obama’s health law is facing opposition from members of their own party.

House committees plan to begin voting on the legislation - which would repeal penalties for those who do not buy health insurance - on Wednesday, reports the BBC.

But congressional Republicans have been saying the plan goes too far or does not go far enough.

Senator Rand Paul said the bill will be “dead on arrival” at the Senate.

He and other conservative critics have dismissed it as “Obamacare 2.0” or “Obamacare Lite”.

The Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, helped 20 million previously uninsured Americans get health insurance.

However, increases in insurance premiums - which were also a problem before the health law - have irked many Americans.

BDST: 1105 HRS, MAR 08, 2017
SR