Unveiling Trump’s Health Care Plan: A Comprehensive Review
TL/DR –
During his presidency, Donald Trump significantly deregulated the health care sector, aiming to offer more choices and control to the public. The deregulation initiatives included the introduction of more affordable “short-term” insurance options, and promoting telemedicine and “direct primary care.” However, Trump’s health care reforms have been criticized for potentially increasing costs for families with chronic conditions, and for their incompatibility with Health Savings Accounts.
Trump’s Significant Steps towards Deregulating Health Care
Donald J. Trump’s presidency saw major strides in deregulating multiple sectors, with health care experiencing the most significant changes. Trump’s approach to deregulation contrasted sharply with that of his successor, Joe Biden, who implemented measures to re-regulate the economy, impacting all aspects of health care.
The Impact of Deregulation on Covid Vaccines and Health Insurance
Even prior to the Covid pandemic, deregulation of vaccine production was a notable success of Trump’s administration. This early action led to the fast production of Covid-19 vaccines, saving an estimated 183,000 lives. Trump also made significant changes in the health insurance sector, offering more options to people and families. For instance, he expanded the option to buy “short-term” insurance, which is usually half the price of Obamacare insurance and provides better protection for costly medical problems.
The Struggles of Health Insurance under Biden Administration
Under the Biden Administration, health insurance for chronic patients was significantly affected. The annual out-of-pocket maximum exposure for a family reached an alarming $18,900. This means families with chronic conditions have to pay almost this amount every year, over and above any premium payment.
The Future Agenda for Deregulating Health Care
The Trump administration made significant changes in health care policy through presidential action alone, without any act of Congress. However, to fully exploit these opportunities, congressional action is still needed. Some significant changes included the liberation of telemedicine during the Covid crisis, the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for chronic illness management, the encouragement of “focused factories” in Medicare, and the availability of round-the-clock primary care through Direct Primary Care (DPC).
Overall, Trump’s health policy agenda was largely progressive and aimed at increasing choice and competition in the health care sector. Given the significant strides made, the future agenda should aim to complete the initiatives started under his administration.
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