DeSantis Plans to Override Obamacare with New Bill
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that he would seek to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, if elected president. DeSantis outlined his plan to lower healthcare costs, include protections for pre-existing conditions, and counter the influence of pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and the government on pricing. DeSantis’ comments echo those made by former President Donald Trump, who also seeks to replace the ACA, despite its growing popularity among the American public, with 59% of Americans supporting the ACA according to a May poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Aims to Supersede Affordable Care Act
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently stated his intentions to supersede the Affordable Care Act (ACA), should he be elected president. Just like former President Donald Trump, DeSantis is looking for legislation that would provide a better alternative to the ACA. This news has been seized upon by Democrats.
DeSantis, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” explained that his plan would lower healthcare costs and assure protection for individuals with pre-existing conditions. He criticised the ACA’s inability to deliver on its promise of lower premiums and believes a new approach is necessary. Details here.
Trump expressed a similar desire for better healthcare alternatives on his social media platform. Following this, he received backlash from President Biden’s campaign. The former president responded by stating his aim was not to terminate Obamacare, but to replace it with something better.
Potential Healthcare Reforms Proposed by DeSantis
DeSantis outlined two specific policies he would address, including public transparent healthcare costs and reducing insurance premiums for people choosing lower-cost providers. He also emphasized his agreement on coverage for pre-existing conditions, a critical component of the ACA.
While he didn’t delve into his plans extensively, he did mention a plan for the 40 million Americans covered by ACA plans and assured they would still have coverage. A full proposal is expected to be released in the spring.
Despite initial opposition, the ACA has gained popularity over the years. A May KFF poll found 59 percent of Americans supported the ACA, although only 26 percent of Republicans support the health law.
Democratic National Committee Condemns DeSantis’ Comments
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) condemned DeSantis’s comments. They criticized his ‘Florida Blueprint’ for contributing to high healthcare costs and leaving many Floridians uninsured.
Florida, one of the 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, had one of the highest percentages of uninsured people last year, according to the Census Bureau.
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