Trump’s executive order on health care blasted by Washington state officials
"The executive order
The executive order is the second insurance-related move the Trump administration has made since the latest attempt by
Some experts said Thursday's executive order would chip away at the ACA by easing rules that allow small businesses and individuals to get insurance through health associations, which could bypass regulations and mandates set by states and the ACA. Other experts said Trump's proposals appear to be modest and would have limited impact.
But
"This really is about providing small businesses with the opportunity to provide coverage to their employees," he said.
"We continue to be committed to working with regulators to ensure the market is stable and there is affordable access to care for families in
According to The
The majority of Americans get their health insurance through work. In
Repealing the ACA and allowing the purchase of health insurance across state lines was a key campaign promise of Trump's. The president says that allowing health associations to provide cheaper insurance and sell it across state lines would make the market more competitive and coverage more affordable.
When asked in an interview if insurers in
Insurance companies have long been able to sell insurance in multiple states. To do so, though, they need to meet each state's requirements and create a network of providers -- factors that are both daunting and expensive.
State insurance commissioners from both political parties, as well as insurers, have said younger, healthier people might be drawn to association plans that can skirt government mandates and are cheaper but provide fewer benefits and protections. But that would leave older and sicker consumers paying more in the individual market and state insurance exchanges.
"Association health plans are just one more way to segment the insurance market and pull the good risk out at the expense of people unlucky enough to get sick. Too often, people get priced out of coverage," Kreidler said.
"My legal team is reviewing the executive order. I will use the legal tools available to me to defend the Affordable Care Act and protect Washingtonians' access to quality, affordable care," he said.
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