Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins Amid Uncertainty
By Amanda Seitz
Washington (AP) – Americans can start signing up for health care coverage offered through the Affordable Care Act marketplace for 2025 on Friday, just days before a presidential election that could threaten eligibility and raise costs for millions of people in the program.
The Future of ‘Obamacare’ in Jeopardy
The future of the Affordable Care Act has emerged as a key issue in the closing days of the presidential campaign, with a top GOP leader promising to overhaul the program if Republican Donald Trump wins the presidency. Billions of dollars in tax credits are also at stake, which have expanded eligibility for millions of Americans, made health insurance coverage more affordable for many, and dramatically boosted enrollment.
Tax Credits at Risk
Nearly all of the 21 million people in the program have benefited from those subsidies, which expire next year, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. "Americans can actually look at health care not as a privilege, but now as a right," Becerra said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I don’t think anyone wants to have a right yanked away from them to have affordable health insurance coverage."
Changes to the Program Imminent
Significant changes to the program are almost certain if Trump wins the White House and Republicans take control of Congress in Tuesday’s contentious elections. They are threatening to scale back "Obamacare," a signature achievement of former President Barack Obama, a Democrat.
GOP Leader’s Promise
On Monday, a key Trump ally, House Speaker Mike Johnson, declared "No Obamacare" during a Pennsylvania campaign stop, promising "massive reform" under a Trump presidency with a Republican-controlled Congress. Johnson’s office later issued a statement saying that he had no plans to completely repeal the landmark legislation, but the comments still underscored how Johnson is working closely with Trump to potentially remake the federal government and its social programs if Republicans sweep into power.
Biden Administration’s Efforts
Enrollment under the Biden administration surged, after years of declines during the Trump administration, dropping to a low of 11 million on Trump’s watch. But taxpayers have had to pour billions of dollars more into the Affordable Care Act to achieve that increase. That money has helped pay for subsidies to cut premiums by nearly half for many of those enrolled in the program.
Congressional Action Needed
Congress would need to pass a new law to continue offering those subsidies, which could cost as much as $335 billion over the next decade. Some Republicans have already balked at that figure.
Conclusion
The future of the Affordable Care Act hangs in the balance as Americans prepare to sign up for health insurance coverage. The program has provided coverage for millions of Americans, and any changes to the program could have significant implications for those enrolled. As the elections approach, it remains to be seen what changes will be made to the program.
FAQs
Q: What is the Affordable Care Act?
A: The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a health care reform law signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010.
Q: What is the purpose of the Affordable Care Act?
A: The Affordable Care Act aimed to increase health insurance coverage for millions of Americans, reduce the number of uninsured, and make health care more affordable.
Q: What are tax credits, and how do they affect the Affordable Care Act?
A: Tax credits are subsidies provided to help make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans. These credits are set to expire next year, which could lead to increased costs for those enrolled in the program.
Q: What is the current enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act?
A: Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins on Friday and ends on January 15, 2025, with a deadline of December 15, 2024, to have coverage in the new year.
