Surprising turn of events, former President Donald Trump recently shared a Wall Street Journal editorial urging Republicans to persist in their efforts to terminate the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. Despite the years-long struggle to repeal it, the ACA has not only endured but has grown more popular among Americans.
The contentious history of Obamacare saw Democrats pushing it through in 2010 without Republican support, followed by seven years of GOP attempts to dismantle it. The pivotal moment came in 2017 when a last-ditch effort for repeal failed, with Senator John McCain delivering a dramatic vote against a “skinny repeal” bill.
Fast forward to 2023, and Obamacare is firmly entrenched. More people are enrolling in 2024 coverage through federal and state exchanges, with only 10 states still resisting Medicaid expansion. Notably, North Carolina is finally implementing its expansion, benefitting low-income Americans.
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Trump’s recent call to “never give up” on repealing the ACA met a muted response from fellow Republicans, signaling a shift in priorities. Even Trump himself clarified his stance, expressing a desire to replace Obamacare with “MUCH BETTER HEALTHCARE.”
Public opinion, as reflected in polls by the Kaiser Family Foundation, reveals a shift in favor of the ACA. Three-fifths of Americans now view the law favorably, with support cutting across demographics. Democrats overwhelmingly support it, and even among Republicans, opposition has somewhat dwindled, though one-fifth still holds an unfavorable view.
However, the challenges persist. Issues such as the cost of health insurance, particularly for those in small businesses, and difficulties paying medical bills for lower-income Americans remain. Preventive-care coverage faces threats, with a Texas federal judge challenging certain requirements.
Despite progress, some states have yet to expand Medicaid, creating a coverage gap for millions. Additionally, the unwinding of Medicaid coverage for over 11 million Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges. Rising premiums on exchanges, expensive prescription drugs, and ongoing debates on policy issues underline the imperfections in the current healthcare system.
As the ACA marks a decade since its inception, it stands as a testament to resilience. However, with persistent challenges and evolving public opinion, the path forward for healthcare in the United States remains complex and in need of bipartisan solutions.
