Repeal and Replace of Affordable Care: A Complex, but Not an Impossible Task

Abstract

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), signature legislation of President Obama, was arguably the most consequential and comprehensive health care reform since Medicare was introduced as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s great society. It has been claimed that many of the law’s reforms are now so integrated in the health system that full repeal would be impractical, while others including President Elect Trump have rejected that idea and called for full repeal and replacement claiming ACA law cannot be fixed. A tsunami of increasing regulatory burden over the past 8 years, the current health care milieu has moved independent practitioners towards hospital employment in great numbers. In addition, public opinion has been slowly climbing against ObamaCare with 54% of Americans now opposing the law. President Obama has indicated that the law has accomplished many of its goals, including increasing accessibility, affordability, and quality of health care. However, others have contradicted these assertions and described the ACA as “insurance for many with coverage for few.” Some believe that the ACA might be more appropriately labeled the “Medicaid Expansion Act.” There are multiple plans developed over the years by republican members of the congress; however, of significant consequence and importance are President-elect Trump’s proposals and the plan developed by Speaker Paul Ryan to repeal and replace the ACA. The President-elect has described the problems he perceives with the ACA; rapidly rising premiums and deductibles, narrow networks, and limits of coverage imposed by health insurance companies. The Presidentelect has indicated that his goal will be to create a patient-centered health care system that promotes choice, quality, and affordability with health insurance and health care, and take any needed action to alleviate the burdens imposed on American families and businesses by law. Key words: Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare, Medicaid, exchanges, Trump plan, repeal, replace