A Second Trump Term: How Healthcare May Change
Donald Trump’s return to the White House raises questions about the potential impact on America’s healthcare landscape. During his campaign, Trump promised changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or "Obamacare," but he didn’t delve into specifics.
Despite a lack of detailed plans, Trump’s past actions and comments provide clues about his potential healthcare agenda. He previously sought to repeal the ACA, which provides health coverage to 45 million Americans. His stance on government-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid is mixed, with past pronouncements hinting at potential cuts.
Trump’s presidency could also see ramifications for prescription drug prices, reproductive care, and insurance regulations.
The ACA’s future hangs in the balance. While Trump hasn’t explicitly promised a repeal, his transition team assures us he’ll "strongly protect" Medicare, though he has previously suggested cuts. His administration’s stance on the ACA’s expanded Medicaid coverage and its requirement for insurers to cover pre-existing conditions remains unclear.
Experts like Yunan Ji, an assistant professor at Georgetown University with a focus on healthcare policy, warn that attempts to weaken or dismantle the ACA could leave many Americans with pre-existing conditions facing higher costs or losing coverage altogether.
Furthermore, Trump favors privatizing aspects of the healthcare sector. This shift could mean increased out-of-pocket expenses and a narrower network of in-network care providers for those on ACA plans.
President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures to lower prescription drug prices, could be affected. Trump is obligated to continue existing drug price negotiations through at least the end of 2025.
Trump also voiced plans to restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors, a service covered by some ACA plans. He has also expressed support for enforcing the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.
Furthermore, Trump’s appointments to key positions, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, will signal his priorities. His selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine skeptic, indicates a potential
toward revising existing regulations concerning health, insurance, and vaccinations.
Beyond legislative actions, Trump’s presidency would impact health regulations. Changes to insurance policies could indirectly affect access to essential medical services and specialists.
A second Trump term will bring significant changes to the healthcare landscape. Whether these changes improve or erode accessibility and affordability remains to be seen, but their impact will be felt by Americans nationwide.
