KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Twenty million Americans are at risk of completely losing their health insurance if the Trump administration succeeds in its most recent effort to completely overturn the Affordable Care Act or more popularly known as “Obamacare”.
The healthcare law is former President Barack Obama’s signature legislation which made it possible for many Americans to secure some form of health insurance.
The Trump administration joined a coalition of Republican-led states last week in pursuing a case in a federal appeals court. They are hoping to ensure that a ruling striking down a tax penalty for not having insurance, is allowed to stand.
A victory would fulfill Trump’s promise of undoing the law, but it could be politically costly for the Republican Party as it would also end provisions such as protection for pre-existing conditions and coverage for young adults on their parents’ health plans, which are very popular.
Should this happen, millions would be at risk. The law allows for around 12 million low-income people to be insured.
President Donald Trump is promising an alternative to “Obamacare” after the 2020 elections. He has never presented a proposed replacement to the existing plan.
