Trump hints at using federal programs to provide coverage after Obamacare decision
Trump hints at using federal programs to provide coverage after Obamacare decision
President Donald Trump said he is considering using federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid to cover the rising ranks of the uninsured after his administration decided it would not reopen the Obamacare insurance markets to address the coronavirus crisis.
Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday were very vague about any forthcoming proposals that would flesh out their promise that people wouldn't have to worry about the costs of treating the coronavirus. But at the daily White House task force briefing, they indicated they were looking at some version of Medicaid and Medicare to fill in at least some cost gaps.
“I'm not committing,” said Trump. “I have to get approval. I've got a thing called Congress. It's something to look at and we have been looking. “
Sources familiar with discussions between insurers and the administration believe Trump's decision was ultimately made to avoid muddling the administration’s position on the Affordable Care Act as Trump urges the Supreme Court to throw out the law. A senior administration official, when asked if the decision was politically motivated, said there were “better options” to help uninsured Americans, pointing to special enrollment periods and temporary workplace coverage for laid-off workers.
Trump hints at using federal programs to provide coverage after Obamacare decision
President Donald Trump said he is considering using federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid to cover the rising ranks of the uninsured after his administration decided it would not reopen the Obamacare insurance markets to address the coronavirus crisis.
Both Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday were very vague about any forthcoming proposals that would flesh out their promise that people wouldn't have to worry about the costs of treating the coronavirus. But at the daily White House task force briefing, they indicated they were looking at some version of Medicaid and Medicare to fill in at least some cost gaps.
“I'm not committing,” said Trump. “I have to get approval. I've got a thing called Congress. It's something to look at and we have been looking. “
Sources familiar with discussions between insurers and the administration believe Trump's decision was ultimately made to avoid muddling the administration’s position on the Affordable Care Act as Trump urges the Supreme Court to throw out the law. A senior administration official, when asked if the decision was politically motivated, said there were “better options” to help uninsured Americans, pointing to special enrollment periods and temporary workplace coverage for laid-off workers.
No way govt doesnt pick up the tab for this crisis, one way or another.
