Donald Trump Releases 7-Point Healthcare Plan, Promises Repeal of ACA
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On Wednesday night, Donald Trump released a detailed plan to overhaul the American healthcare system that would “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act.
“Since March of 2010, the American people have had to suffer under the incredible economic burden of the Affordable Care Act—Obamacare,” a statement on Trump’s website said.
Repealing the ACA has been a benchmark for Republicans since the legislation was passed into law. There have been constant calls to “repeal and replace” the law, but that’s usually where the rhetoric stops. No Republican has laid out a substantial plan that promises to achieve what Obamacare has – reduce healthcare spending and provide coverage to the uninsured.
Trump’s plan finally provides some insight into what the Republican frontrunner would do.
“By following free market principles and working together to create sound public policy that will broaden healthcare access, make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of the care available to all Americans,” Trump’s proposal said (their emphasis).
As the Affordable Care Act has achieved all those goals, healthcare experts will have to analyze Trump’s plan to determine if his proposals will expand on the ACA’s accomplishments, or take away from them.
For Trump’s full statement, head over to his website. His seven points for better health care are listed below.
“Congress must act. Our elected representatives in the House and Senate must:
“1. Completely repeal Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate. No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.
“2. Modify existing law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market, insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.
“3. Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it.
“4. Allow individuals to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.
“5. Require price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.
“6. Block-grant Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.
“7. Remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers.”
