President Trump begins to break up the Affordable Healthcare Act to increased public outcry
This week, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order which will take apart Obamacare in a bid to create further healthcare options for US civilians. However, with a large majority of the US in favour of Obamacare, the news has been fraught with confusion and dismay on all sides, with fears it will create the opposite.
Democrats have been one of the strongest voices opposing the move to take apart the Affordable Care Act (ACA), with studies suggesting that the number of Americans who will end up without any form of healthcare will rise significantly.
In a statement, Trump has stated that the order will provide "millions of Americans with Obamacare relief," "cost the United States government virtually nothing and people will have great health care. And when I say people, I mean by the millions and millions."
Related stories
- GE Healthcare turns its focus on 3D printing and robotics
- Rising number of measles cases in the US raises important questions
- Bayer appoints new Head of Global Innovation & Development of Consumer Health
Attentions will therefore be increasingly upon employers, who will need to provide Association Health Plans, as well as short term-health insurance. However, with the ability to sign up to cheaper, less comprehensive plans, many poorer families or individuals with long-term health problems could be left without essential care, or become locked out of obtaining healthcare due to sky rocketing premiums.
The eradication of cost-sharing reduction payments (CSR) under Obamacare will also see rates increase.
"Sadly, instead of working to lower health costs for Americans, it seems President Trump will single-handedly hike Americans’ health premiums," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said. "It is a spiteful act of vast, pointless sabotage levelled at working families and the middle class in every corner of America.
Make no mistake about it, Trump will try to blame the Affordable Care Act, but this will fall on his back and he will pay the price for it."
The plans will take approximately six months to come into effect, but it will be interesting to see how the US healthcare system adapts to these changes.