Analysis shows repealing the Affordable Care Act could have dire consequences
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has released an analysis of the health care plan proposed by presidential hopeful Donald Trump. The analysis suggests that Trump’s plan could result in approximately 21 million people losing their health insurance coverage. It may also cost some $270 billion over 10 years, if it was implemented. Another analysis from the Congressional Budget Office suggests that as many as 22 million people could lose their health insurance coverage if Trump’s plan is successful.
12.7 people enrolled for coverage in 2015 alone
Trump intends to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act if he is elected as president. This has become somewhat controversial as the health care law has helped ensure that millions of people have access to the insurance coverage that they need. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 12.7 million people enrolled in insurance exchanges throughout the country in 2015 alone. These exchanges were created through the Affordable Care Act, which was designed to expand access to insurance coverage and make this coverage more affordable to consumers.
Trump plan aims to allow insurers to sell coverage across state lines
Under Trump’s plan, insurers would be able to sell policies across state lines, which may have an impact on premiums as competition among insurers would increase. The plan also intends to introduce tax deductions for an individual’s insurance premiums. According to the analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Trump’s plan would provide coverage to an estimated 1.1 million people. Repealing the Affordable Care Act will also have a considerable financial impact, costing the country $270 billion over 10 years.
It may be more difficult for those with pre-existing medical conditions to find coverage
The plan proposed by Trump does not include any provisions to ensure that those with pre-existing medical conditions have access to health insurance coverage. Trump does support the concept that these people should not be denied coverage because of their pre-existing medical conditions, but repealing the Affordable Care Act would remove the provision of the law that prevents insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions.
