Trump’s Healthcare Policy Reversal: Impact on the Affordable Care Act and Drug Pricing

Person standing in front of cheering crowd.

President Donald Trump’s recent healthcare policy reversal has set the stage for a significant shakeup in the American healthcare system, potentially impacting millions of Americans.

Quick Takes

  • Trump signed executive orders rescinding Biden-era protections for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Medicaid
  • The reversal includes canceling efforts to lower prescription drug costs
  • Trump’s actions signal a potential return to pre-Biden healthcare policies
  • Experts are divided on the long-term impact of these policy changes on healthcare costs

Trump’s Day One Healthcare Actions

Upon returning to office, President Donald Trump wasted no time in addressing healthcare policy. He signed executive orders that effectively reversed several key healthcare initiatives implemented by the Biden-Harris administration. These actions primarily targeted the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, and policies aimed at reducing prescription drug costs.

The executive orders rescinded by Trump included those designed to expand ACA access and restore the federal program to its pre-Trump state. Specifically, Trump revoked Executive Order 14009, which had extended the ACA’s open enrollment period and directed agencies to increase coverage. Additionally, he reversed a Biden order focused on reducing medical debt burdens for Americans.

Impact on Drug Pricing and ACA

One of the most significant aspects of Trump’s policy reversal was the cancellation of Biden-era efforts to lower prescription drug costs. This move has raised concerns among healthcare advocates about potential increases in medication prices. However, it’s important to note that some of Biden’s key healthcare achievements, such as the $35 insulin cap and the $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs for Medicare recipients, remain unaffected by Trump’s actions.

“Trump is kind of wiping the slate clean. If you contrast Day 1 of this Trump administration with the last one, it is a different approach to health care.” – Larry Levitt

The ACA, which protects over 100 million Americans with preexisting conditions, has been a consistent target of Trump’s healthcare agenda. During his previous term, Trump attempted to repeal the ACA but fell one vote short in 2017. His recent actions suggest a renewed commitment to dismantling or significantly altering the healthcare law.

Reactions and Potential Consequences

The Democratic National Committee has strongly condemned Trump’s actions, arguing that they will increase healthcare costs and reduce coverage for millions of Americans. They point out that the majority of Americans support the ACA and believe the government should ensure healthcare coverage for all.

“Donald Trump’s immediate priority as president is ripping away affordable health care coverage for tens of millions of Americans and screwing over people with preexisting conditions. Thanks to the Biden-Harris administration, more Americans have health coverage than ever before, and Trump wants to unwind this progress even though the American people overwhelmingly support the ACA. Trump’s plans will do nothing but raise costs and make Americans sicker.” – Alex Floyd

However, some health policy experts suggest that Trump’s actions may not significantly impact healthcare costs for Americans in the short term. Dr. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, noted that many of these actions could be more symbolic than immediately impactful.

Looking Ahead

As the healthcare policy landscape continues to evolve under the Trump administration, many questions remain unanswered. It’s unclear whether Trump supports Medicare’s drug price negotiations, a key Biden policy that has gained bipartisan support. Additionally, Trump has yet to present a fully developed healthcare plan to replace the ACA, offering only concepts at this point.

While the immediate effects of Trump’s policy reversals may be limited, their long-term implications could be significant. As the debate over healthcare reform continues, Americans will be watching closely to see how these policy changes impact their access to affordable, quality healthcare.

Sources:

  1. Donald Trump Launches Day One Attack on Affordable Care Act – Democrats
  2. Trump reverses Biden policies on drug pricing and Obamacare
  3. Trump’s Day One actions reversed Biden-era health policies, including efforts to expand ObamaCare