Lawmakers Grill Health CEOs on Costs as ACA Hangs Over Debate

Lawmakers pointed the finger at insurance executives for high US health costs in a hearing Thursday, as Congress seeks to deflect blame for a health system that’s become unaffordable to many Americans.

The drubbing was unusual coming from Republicans. The party has historically been more closely aligned with private insurers than Democrats have been, but the relationship has become strained as President Donald Trump has taken aim at health-care companies.

Trump has discouraged Republicans from extending subsidies that have made Affordable Care Act health plans much cheaper for millions in the US, and been a boon to private insurers. And ...