With the recent election of President-elect Donald Trump, the United States is poised for possible changes in healthcare policies that could significantly affect the accessibility and affordability of health services. These changes may impact public health insurance programs, reproductive health rights, and the regulatory landscape governing drug prices and Medicaid.
1. The Affordable Care Act and Public Health Insurance Programs
Trump has indicated that while he will not pursue a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), alterations could be forthcoming. Among the top considerations is whether the administration will continue enhanced premium subsidies for ACA marketplace plans, which have helped keep health insurance affordable for millions. Without these subsidies, premiums may rise, and enrollment could decline, which could drive the uninsured rate up from its current 8%.
The administration has hinted at a broader effort to bring “more competition” into ACA marketplaces. However, this could result in less regulated insurance options that may not meet ACA standards, potentially allowing for higher premiums for individuals with preexisting conditions.
2. Medicaid and Medicare Modifications
Medicaid, the federal and state program for low-income and disabled individuals, could see significant changes. Trump’s administration is expected to explore cost-saving measures, possibly including new work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries. Additionally, federal funding for Medicaid might shift from variable matching rates to capped allocations, which could reduce coverage levels in certain states.
In Medicare, Trump has expressed support for measures to negotiate drug prices, an option recently enabled under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Although Trump has previously proposed price caps for certain drugs, it remains to be seen how the administration will approach this in practice.
3. Drug Pricing: A Continued Focus on Affordability
During his first term, Trump advocated for lowering drug costs, implementing measures such as price transparency and exploring international price comparisons for certain drugs. This administration is likely to continue this focus, potentially maintaining Medicare’s new authority to negotiate drug prices.
4. Reproductive Health Rights and Abortion Policy
Reproductive health care is an area of heightened attention, with changes likely to be felt at both state and federal levels. Trump has suggested that abortion regulations should be managed by individual states. However, the administration might pursue federal actions to limit access to abortion medications, which are currently authorized by the FDA. Using the Comstock Act, a 19th-century law, to restrict the mail distribution of abortion drugs could be a potential avenue, although Trump has stated he does not plan to pursue this immediately.
5. Shifts in Public Health Policy: Vaccine Skepticism and Science-Based Interventions
Trump’s advisory circle now includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic. With Kennedy’s influence, federal health guidelines and programs like childhood vaccinations and water fluoridation may face scrutiny. Health officials worry that public confidence in science-based interventions could erode, leading to a potential resurgence in preventable illnesses.
What This Means for Patients
Changes in federal health policy can have widespread impacts, affecting insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility, and access to reproductive and preventive healthcare services. LifeWallet encourages all patients to stay informed, understand their healthcare options, and anticipate any potential changes to their coverage. Consult your healthcare provider and monitor developments to ensure you continue receiving the care you need.
For the latest updates, LifeWallet will continue tracking these policies to keep patients informed about the changing healthcare landscape.
