Executive Order
Issued on January 20, 2017
Summary
President Trump signed an executive order meant to relieve financial and regulatory burdens placed on states, healthcare providers, companies, and individuals by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in preparation for its repeal. All relevant agencies, by the President’s order, are to “waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay” measures of the ACA that would create such hardships. The executive order authorizes agencies to use their discretion when determining which aspects of the ACA they will deter, but it emphasizes that they act to the full extent of their authority. Trump’s order also encourages the creation of an interstate insurance marketplace. LEARN MORE
Analysis
This executive order allows sections of the ACA to be dismantled by giving power to federal agencies and states to define what is a “hardship” when deferring or waiving ACA directives. As Josh Blackman Josh Blackman noted, key provisions such as the individual mandate and essential minimum coverage can be suspended if determined to be burdensome. There is concern over how broad exceptions for items could impact the marketplace. Larry Levitt of the Kaiser Family Foundation claimed: “Potentially the biggest effect of this order could be widespread waivers from the individual mandate, which would likely create chaos in the individual insurance market.” LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Families USA – Non-profit organization that advocates for accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care working to stop the repeal of the ACA.
- Coalition to Protect America’s Health Care – An organization fighting to defend access to hospitals from federal cuts to patient care.
- Save Obamacare – Obamacare Fact’s resource page for information on how to support the ACA in 2017.
This brief was compiled by Elizabeth Kiefer. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact elizabeth@usresistnews.org.
