Nearly one week after Sen. Marco Rubio skewered businessman Donald Trump on his healthcare reform plan, the Republican frontrunner Wednesday released his seven-point plan to repeal Obamacare and implement his own policy.
Trump posted the plan on his website. It slammed the Affordable Health Care Act, saying it has “tragically but predictably resulted in runaway costs, websites that don’t work, greater rationing of care, higher premiums, less competition and few choices.”
He assured voters that his policy "will broaden healthcare, make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of the care available to all Americans.”
Trump offers several reforms in his healthcare plan and urges Congress to act. He also vows to restore Americans’ faith in the government and economic liberty to the people.
The first thing Trump touches on in his outline is to eliminate the individual mandate. Trump says no one should be required to buy health insurance if they don’t want to.
As he touched on in the last GOP debate while he was arguing with Rubio, Trump wants to modify a law that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. By doing that, he says, will allow full competition in the market and “consumer satisfaction will go up.”
The third bullet point calls for individuals to deduct insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system.
“As we allow the free market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have it,” Trump added.
His fourth bullet point focuses on young individuals who can afford high-deductible insurance plans. He introduces Health Savings Accounts or HSAs.
“These funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.”
Trump wants “price transparency from all healthcare providers.” He says individuals should be able to shop around for the best prices for any sort of procedures, exams or checkups.
The sixth bullet point says state governments can manage the administration of Medicaid to residents without the “fear of federal overhead.” Under Trump’s plan states will receive incentives to eliminate fraud and waste.
In the final bullet, Trump calls on Congress to step away from special interests and “do what is right for America.” He wants to remove barriers to entry into free markets for drug companies that offer safe and affordable products.
Further, Trump also touches on illegal immigration and said that offering healthcare to illegal immigrants costs the U.S. $11 billion per year. He said if the immigration laws were enforced, “we could relive healthcare cost pressures on state and local governments.”
Reforming Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program and mental health programs are also on Trump’s to-do list as president.
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