Former President Donald Trump has rekindled his pledge to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a promise that became one of his administration’s major policy setbacks. Despite its increased popularity and wide usage, Trump has reignited this politically damaging crusade on the presidential campaign trail.
During a recent campaign stop in Iowa, Trump declared, “We’re going to fight for much better health care than Obamacare. Obamacare is a catastrophe.” This perplexing revival of the ACA repeal campaign comes at a time when the health law is more popular and widely utilized than it was in 2017, when Trump’s attempt to replace it failed. This failed effort was a significant factor in the Republicans’ loss of control of the House of Representatives in the 2018 midterms.
When Trump assumed the presidency, his top domestic policy priority was repealing the ACA, a move that would have stripped health care from millions, increased insurance costs, and allowed insurers to discriminate against those with pre-existing conditions. Although his attempt to repeal the health care law fell short by one vote, recent events, such as his town hall and a speech in Iowa, indicate his intent to target the ACA again if elected.
The significance of the ACA is demonstrated by a personal account from a recent college graduate who moved to Washington, D.C., to start a career. During this time, the individual worked as an advocate amidst the challenges faced by organizations like Planned Parenthood due to the repeal efforts. The advocacy turned out to be a matter of personal life-saving importance, beyond the context of a job experience.
In light of Trump’s renewed promise to repeal the ACA, the potential implications for Americans, especially those benefiting from the ACA’s provisions, are significant. If successful, a repeal could unravel the progress made in expanding access to health care and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions. As the presidential campaign progresses, the debate over health care policies and the fate of the ACA is likely to gather increasing attention and scrutiny from voters.
