Republicans today released their long-anticipated plan to replace Obamacare, and they claim it will reduce medical expenditures on the uninsured by 50%. Anyone without insurance who faces a life-threatening medical problem, regardless of pre-existing conditions, will be able to submit a petition for coverage to a new federal insurance clearinghouse. Each petition will be matched with a similar request. The two petitioners will be invited to a hearing where they will have an opportunity to explain to an expert panel why they deserve to live. The one who makes a better case will receive treatment. “Right there, we’re cutting costs in half,” said Republican Senator Rand Paul. “Republicans know how to make healthcare work again.”