The Ambiguous State of American Healthcare
The first congressional recess of 2017, has shown constituencies across the nation, filled with upset and fear on the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Americans are worried that “repeal and replace will cut coverage.”[1] Multiple Republican officials have been bombarded at Town Hall meeting with questions regarding the Republican replacement plan. This outrage emulates the movement that occurred after the 2013 enactment of Obamacare with Tea Party Movement. [2] Prior to Trump’s election, the Affordable Care Act was considered a “ political gift to the Republicans.” [3] According to Chris Conover, this attributed to: the 2016 Presidential Election loss of Hilary Clinton, 2014 Senate elections in which every GOP politician who campaigned on the repeal of the Affordable Care Act won, 2010 House elections in which Republicans gained the majority with 63 seats, and Democratic Governorships in which lost ten offices since 2008. [4] American public now see some of the benefits from the Affordable Care Act. [5] They want to know that if there is a repeal, what will be lost and what will be gained.
This vagueness has caused constituencies to invade town halls held by GOP office holders. Ironically, polls express the public view of the Affordable Care Act more favorably. [6] Senator Tom Cotton, who faced among the fiercest crowds at his town hall in which he was asked, “ Will you commit to replacements in the same way you committed to the repeal?” [7] This question echoes the questions of many Americans regarding the fate of their healthcare. Senator Mike Chaffetz was among the first in Utah to face strong opposition with crowds yelling “ Do your job!” [8] New Jersey Representative Leonard Lance serves a solid Republican area, however, his constituency does not support Trump, other issues including health care was brought up at his town hall. [9] Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and both Iowa Senators faced a disgruntled crowd at his Kentucky meeting. [10] Virginia Representative Dave Brat faced criticism for moving his town hall 60 miles away from his constituency after recognizing the patterns of unrest. [11] President Trump tweeted his concern for these reoccurring situations , “ The so-called crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually planned out by liberal activists. Sad!” [12]
President Trump attempted to alleviate the outrage when he addressed Congress for the first- time last week. He outlined a roadmap addressing the components of the Republican reform plan. [13] The basis of the policy combines components from alternative propositions from House Speaker Paul Ryan called “ A Better Way” and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price called “ Empowering Patients First.” [14] He proposes that Americans will have the ability to “ purchase their own coverage through the use of tax credits and expanded health insurance saving accounts, coverage for American with preexisting conditions, and giving states the flexibility to administer Medicaid.”[15] It will be unclear until there is a physical bill on the floor of Congress on the true guidelines of the replacement. Moreover, the impact of the bill will be immeasurable until enacted. As seen in the case of Obamacare, the results of some success did not show until after he left office.
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