Article Summary –
Doctors in Pennsylvania are raising concerns about Donald Trump’s intent to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) if reelected, which could affect 5 million residents with preexisting conditions. Trump, criticized for lacking a concrete healthcare plan, risks higher medical bills and debt for many. Additionally, repealing the Inflation Reduction Act, which caps insulin prices for Medicare recipients, could reverse financial relief for over 80,000 seniors. Medical professionals highlight the potential negative impacts on patients’ health and finances if these measures are repealed.
5 million Pennsylvanians with preexisting conditions risk losing healthcare if Donald Trump repeals the Affordable Care Act.
Ahead of Donald Trump’s rally at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, doctors criticized Trump’s plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a clear replacement.
“We need to know what Donald Trump’s actual healthcare plans are,” said Dr. Max Cooper, an emergency room physician from Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Our patients and Pennsylvania voters deserve clarity.”
Trump attempted to repeal the ACA in his first term but fell one vote short. He called the ACA a “catastrophe” earlier this year in Iowa and mentioned only “concepts of a plan” during the presidential debate.
Two weeks later, Trump has yet to detail his plan. If it includes repealing the ACA, millions with preexisting conditions could face higher medical bills, as suggested by Trump’s running mate JD Vance. Vance has hinted at changes that could threaten these protections.
Over 5 million Pennsylvania residents with preexisting conditions could lose coverage, previously reported by the Keystone Newsroom.
“Patients can’t afford medications or follow-up care because healthcare is unaffordable,” Cooper explained.
Prior to the ACA, insurance companies could deny coverage for pregnancy, considered a preexisting condition. “Patients delayed prenatal care, leading to complications,” said Dr. Maisa Feghali, an obstetrician in Pittsburgh.
Trump also aims to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which capped insulin prices for Medicare at $35 per month, helping over 80,000 seniors in Pennsylvania.
“The insulin cap is a godsend for patients,” Cooper warned, adding that repealing the IRA would be catastrophic. It would also remove Medicare’s drug negotiation powers, reducing costs for seniors.
“Reverting would be disastrous for my patients,” Cooper emphasized.
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