“Biden Fires Back: No Letting Trump Ax the ACA!

As many Americans eagerly wait for the results of the current election, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden continue to offer the public different approaches on how to manage the nation’s healthcare system. On October 26th, President Trump re-introduced his intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as Obamacare, and replace it with a different plan if re-elected. In the following days, Biden’s campaign officially issued a statement to firmly criticize Trump’s promise. “President Trump’s stunning attempt to eliminate the Affordable Care Act without offering American families any alternative is an irresponsible and reckless attack on the health care and economic security of this nation,” the statement reads. Biden went further to elaborate on Trump’s plan. He stated that the Republicans’ failed proposal would actually raise taxes on the middle-income class despite its promise to make health care more affordable for all through competitive pricing. The Biden campaign also highlighted the fact that those who are covered through the Affordable Care Act would likely have much higher out-of-pocket spending if the plan is repealed. In addition, Trump has also failed to recognize the importance of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, which the Affordable Care Act guaranteed. Trump’s support for the repeal of the ACA does not come as a surprise. Since it was passed in 2010, the president and his administration have been attempting to undo it. If elected for a second term, it seems likely that President Trump will make delivering on the promise to repeal the ACA a priority. In the opposing camp, it is expected that if Biden does win the election, he will work to not only protect the Affordable Care Act, but to expand it. Among the ideas Biden has proposed is adding a public option covering more procedures, and allowing those over the age of 50 to be eligible to buy into Medicaid to access important health care services. The upcoming weeks are certain to be full of exchanges as the two candidates battle it out for the support of the American public over their respective ideas for healthcare. Either way, the next president’s decisions on the subject are destined to have a lasting impact on the nation both in the short and long-term.