According to president-elect Donald Trump, Americans have suffered under the weight of a massive economic burden brought about by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Apparently the Affordable Care Act was passed into law without much foresight, resulting in out-of-control costs, non-functional websites, higher premiums, less competition in the insurance industry and a greater rationing of care. As a result of the legislation, every American was allegedly faced with uncertainty of the ACA collapsing, causing even greater economic concern and hardship when it came to health care.
President Donald Trump’s administration suggests that on day one of a new administration free market reforms would be introduced into the health care industry by completely repealing the ACA. Replacing the repealed legislation would be the next task and the administration indicates it would have such reforms ready that closely follow free market principles geared to restore certainty and economic freedom to all Americans. Free market principles combined with sound public policy are intended to broaden health care access, improve the quality of care and make it more affordable.
The proposed seven-point plan touted by president-elect Donald Trump to make health care more affordable for all Americans will allegedly:
- Lower health care costs for every American
- Remove uncertainty about health care
- Offer financial security for Americans
- Tackle other policy revisions to lower the cost of health care
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Enforce immigration laws to relieve economic pressures on Americans in health care
- Stop fraud and waste and energize the American economy
- Reduce the number of people accessing programs such as Children’s Health Insurance, Medicaid
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Work on growing the economy by bringing jobs and capital back to the United States
- Reform mental health services
It appears that the plan to reform health care in the United States is ambitious and may result in some significant changes for Americans. While it is not precisely clear how many of the proposed reforms are to be implemented and what may be designed to replace existing health care legislation, there are many industry pundits who feel that change may be a good thing to stimulate the economy.
The country is on the brink of a new era and it appears that approaching health care with a different point-of-view may produce some interesting results, not only for the people, but also for the insurance industry as a whole.
In 2013 the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) researched how premium support, as suggested by House Speaker Paul Ryan’s “A Better Way,” would impact the federal budget, beneficiaries’ payments and choices.
The results of their research revealed that under the two different proposed premium support plans, that both would “reduce federal spending for Medicare net of beneficiaries’ premiums and other offsetting receipts.” Put another way, introducing premium support would adjust the current health care system and permit the free market to offer seniors the ability to pick plans suited to their health needs.
Based on this research, House Speaker Paul Ryan hopefully forecasts that by 2024, Medicare beneficiaries may see private insurers compete for their business on a proposed new Medicare Exchange. The futuristic plan would allegedly have no disruptions in the Medicare Fee For Service program for retired individuals or those about to retire. These individuals would also have the option to enroll in the new premium support program.
With research backing up Ryan’s conclusions that a free market choice is more beneficial to those seeking health insurance it appears that competition and choice may be the future of health care in the United States.
A surprising number of Americans still insist that they cannot afford health insurance, no matter how inexpensive it may be. However, that assertion creates a real conundrum: citizens must carry health insurance to avoid facing large fines.
A policy does not need to present devastating upfront costs to you. Even a policy purchased through a health exchange easily proves its worth. Those without any kind of insurance face the costs of all medical services and procedures alone.
Medical care in the United States is not cheap. If you happen to be in an accident, you may need all sorts of care. Without coverage, anything from a broken wrist to months of inpatient hospital care could cripple your finances. How would you pay your bills without some form of health insurance?
Many defer their health insurance choices, hoping to save money during times of good health. But good health can leave you without warning.
Reconsider. Choose to carry health insurance.

If you opt to not have a plan because of high insurance rates, do not wait until your health is a problem to start looking. If your health plan has been to not visit the doctor and not take medications, you may be quite surprised when you finally have a reason to check health insurance quotes. Health insurance companies view sick people as a risk, so they charge you more because they are more likely to pay more in actual claims than they receive in premiums. Depending on your condition and the carrier, you may not even be able to get coverage or could have your coverage taken away after you approved because of some technicality. The LA Times reported on how several insurers rescinded policies for many people who were sick due to technicalities in their applications.
Even though health insurance rates are high, hospital bills, surgeons, medications, and post procedure care can be exorbitant. What could have been manageable with a monthly payment for a health insurance plan now threatens the ability for you and your family to enjoy a healthy and happy life. In the end, it pays to have health insurance. Your health insurance rates will also impacted by your age, your past health record, and the part of the United States that you live in.