CBS News, December 26, 2017
An Associated Press analysis of new figures from the government found that 7.3 million of the 8.8 million consumers signed up so far for next year come from states Trump won in the 2016 presidential election.
“There’s politics, and then there’s taking care of yourself and your family,” said analyst Chris Sloan of the consulting firm Avalere Health. “You can have political views about a program like the Affordable Care Act, but when you get an opportunity to get subsidized health insurance for you and your family … politics is a distant consideration.”
***
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump)
Twitter, December 26, 2017
Based on the fact that the very unfair and unpopular Individual Mandate has been terminated as part of our Tax Cut Bill, which essentially Repeals (over time) ObamaCare, the Democrats & Republicans will eventually come together and develop a great new HealthCare plan!
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump
***
Comment:
By Don McCanne, M.D.
Over four-fifths of those enrolling in plans offered though the ACA exchanges come from states that supported Donald Trump in the presidential election after he campaigned on repealing Obamacare. Before passing judgment on these people, keep in mind that many were looking forward to the promised replacement plans. When it turned out that the replacement plans were a hollow promise, the subsidized plans offered through the exchanges were a much better choice than remaining uninsured.
President Trump now says, “…the Democrats & Republicans will eventually come together and develop a great new HealthCare plan!” Replacement is still the goal for all but the libertarian ideologues.
And what would that new plan be? The majority support a national health program. Very few decline Medicare once they become eligible for it, though it could stand some improvements. The logical “great new HealthCare plan” would be a well designed single payer program – an improved Medicare that covered everyone.
Will the current Democrats and Republicans in Congress bring it to us? If they don’t, we should reject and replace them with politicians who will.
Stay informed! Visit www.pnhp.org/qotd to sign up for daily email updates.