Trump Lays Out Health Care Vision, Signs EOs to Focus on These 2 Issues
President Donald Trump has laid out his health care "vision" on Thursday, addressing two major issues facing Americans.
The President signed two health-related executive orders as part of that vision but has no legislative power. His vision is called the "America First Health Care Plan."
A news release from the White House stated that Trump had three pillars for his health care vision. He wanted to ensure "better care" for Americans, "more choice" for health care options," and "lower costs" for families and seniors."
"Today I will lay out my vision for a health care system that puts patients first, families first and perhaps most importantly for all of us, America first," said Trump.
He made the announcements during a Charlotte, North Carolina event. But this fall short of a full proposal as not much has been detailed yet, noted the CNN.
Nevertheless, it was still a notable announcement that could persuade voters in the swing state.
Protecting Pre-existing Conditions
One of Trump's executive orders will ensure protections for people with pre-existing conditions.
A CBS News report noted that Trump would not sign any bill on his desk that does not protect pre-existing conditions. He said any legislation that Congress sends him has to include this provision.
"We're putting it down in a stamp," he said. He attacked the Democrats for "constantly" talking that issue, "yet pre-existing conditions are much safer with us than they are with them."
News outlets noted that Trump had repeatedly tried to tear down the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But the act already protects people with pre-existing conditions.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar refused to specify how exactly the White House can guarantee these protections. It is important to note that the Supreme Court could overturn the ACA.
Azar said the ACA was a "fallacy." He added that the executive order could protect patients if the high court decides to strike down the ACA.
Trump had failed to replace the ACA even when the GOP controlled the House, Senate, and White House. But he did do away with the enforcement of penalties under the landmark health law.
Surprise Medical Billings
Trump will also try to put an end to surprise medical bills. "The days of ripping off American patients are over," he said in an ABC 13 report.
Under the second executive order, Congress is directed to pass legislation addressing surprise medical billing by the end of the year. Trump warned that if lawmakers don't achieve this, Azar will do so through executive or regulatory actions.
Once implemented, this executive order can help patients who are often hit with surprise medical payments. They usually get these when they receive emergency care from an out-of-network provider.
According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, about one in six emergency room or in-hospital patients generated at least one out-of-network billings in 2017.
Trump has already called for to end the practice back in a 2019 speech. He also said so in his State of the Union address earlier this year.
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle agree that the practice has to stop. But they can't decide who will cover the tab-insurers or providers.
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