With the election of President Donald Trump a lot of talk arose about the Affordable Care Act (ACA), President Barack Obama’s healthcare policy legacy and if that legacy was going to be quickly repealed.
As of recently we learned that a full repeal without a replacement was not passed through the United States Senate but many GOPs are still looking for some changes to the ACA with what is being called a ‘skinny repeal’.
The ‘skinny repeal’ bill would repeal the ACA’s individual mandate as well as employer mandate. But what else would be in the ‘skinny’ bill? Some reports state that the drafted bill may include:
· repealing ACA individual mandate
· partially repeal the ACA law’s employer mandate
· eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood for one year
· Add more funding for community health centers
· Modify provisions that allow states to waive certain ACA requirements
The bill may face some challenges in getting passed, such as, many lawmakers have not seen or read the actual bill, as it hasn’t been released from committee. It also needs to meet budget saving reform stipulations.
Even without a bill there have been many voices of concern as to how a ‘skinny repeal’ would effect premiums and coverage. Estimates for the uninsured are in the tens of millions over a 15 year span. Insurers have been very vocal on their concerns, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in a statement said, ‘If there is no longer a requirement for everyone to purchase coverage, it is critical that any legislation include strong incentives for people to obtain health insurance and keep it year-round. A system that allows people to purchase coverage only when they need it drives up costs for everyone.’
All in all the health policy in Washington is messy and complex leaving many American's wondering what their healthcare may look like in the near future?
Share your Thoughts:
What do you think about the ‘skinny bill’? Do you thing the ACA should or needs to be repealed? What are the changes on health policy that you see happening with a repeal? Do you think government should have a role in health policy in general, if not who should?
Thank you to Baylor University MBA in Healthcare for educating students on complex health policy issues.
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