It’s the day after the inauguration, which officially means there’s a new president in town.
No matter what you’re feeling, good or bad, change is on the horizon — including the potential revamping of our healthcare system. We’re here to keep you in the loop on what is happening with the Affordable Care Act, but for now, let’s put some rumors to rest shall we?
The ACA, as it stands right now, is the same ACA that was here three months ago. While the ACA was enacted during President Obama’s tenure and thus dubbed “Obamacare,” the ACA will outlive its architect — at least for now.
Though President Trump promised to repeal the ACA on his first day in office (before determining that he’d be willing to keep certain aspects of it intact), this type of legislative action takes time. Regardless, the changes aren’t going to happen immediately. Why? Put simply; there are a lot of hoops and people to go through before any “deal” is signed, sealed and delivered to the American public.
So for now, we wait. In the meantime, here’s what legislators are doing/saying:
- The House recently passed a resolution that directs committees in the Senate to draft legislation that would repeal the ACA. (This doesn’t mean the ACA is now null and void, it just means the first step to repealing it has been taken.)
- President Trump has promised healthcare for “everyone,” but his fellow Republicans say he is focusing on the wrong thing — they’re concerned with lowering costs, rather than healthcare expansion.
- Republican legislators are referring to proposed healthcare related changes as “universally accessible” rather than “universal coverage,” (which is what the ACA championed under President Obama.)
- President Trump has also vowed to “force drug companies to negotiate directly with the government on prices in Medicare and Medicaid.”
- Healthcare coverage in America will likely be optional in the future, rather than required as presently mandated under the Affordable Care Act. (People who currently opt out of coverage face heavy fines come tax season.)
So, is this all? Of course not. Fodder is rampant — but that’s why we’re here. We’ll be periodically checking in to give you ACA updates throughout this transitional time. Afraid you’ll miss something? Sign up here to get weekly updates sent directly to your inbox.
No matter who you voted for, we’re in agreement that healthcare access and cost is an important issue. Everyone deserves healthcare that is affordable and accessible, and while there’s debate on how costs should be cut, there’s no denying that healthcare costs are high. If you agree, join us in fighting against legislation, like mandates, that drive up the cost of healthcare — for you and your fellow North Carolinians.
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