The Executive Order 'Synthetic Repeal' of Obamacare Explained in Bulletpoints
By: Kayla Pasacreta
After consistent failures from the Republican-led House and Senate to repeal Obamacare, Trump just said f**k it, I'll do it. Thursday, Trump signed an executive order slated to slowly change healthcare law. During the ceremony, Trump said, "I just keep hearing repeal-replace, repeal-replace," and continued to say "Well, we're starting that process."
Trump after signing the order, photo via NBC News
Here's what you need to know about the executive order he signed:
- Cuts subsidies (government funded grants) to healthcare insurance companies by nearly $7 billion. This will undoubtedly lead to fewer people being insured and having access to coverage.
- Paves the way for small companies to form associations and band together and buy healthcare coverage not dictated by state insurance. This would require them to follow fewer rules, and be able to cut back on the benefits to employees. For example, essential services like maternity coverage and mental health would not necessarily have to be included.
- Allows short-term insurance plans, even under 3 months, for people in-between jobs or unemployed for a short time period. These plans would probably be 'skimpier' and cover fewer needs.
- It may lead to cheaper health care but fewer benefits.
The order will not immediately change any existing law, so we will have to wait to see what happens.
