Republicans are out to offer Americans an alternative to Obamacare, only problems is they have yet to agree on what exactly that is. The GOP party has toyed around with ideas such as offering ample use of health savings accounts and cutting federal regulations. They’ve also contemplated the idea of allowing users to buy insurance across state lines, which could potentially drive up premium costs. With midterm elections coming up for the House and the Senate, dealing with another healthcare plan could be more of a hassle than helpful.
In order to implement any plan there must be a repeal of the one that is already in place. Despite continuous glitches with the Obamacare website and complaints with the plans flexibility, it has its benefits. The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) allows young adults to stay on their parent’s insurance plan until they are 26. For young adults who don’t have insurance ACA provides people with options of coverage based on their income and health care needs. It also requires all insurers to cover people with pre-existing health conditions.
The possibility of Republicans implementing a healthcare plan with state-based high-risk pools brings about issues for young adults that could make it hard for them to get insurance let alone keep it. Unlike Obamacare the current plans the Right Wing has in place do little to benefit many young adults, women, immigrants and or lower income individuals. And by implementing these policies, the party runs the risk of losing the backing they need from Democrats on the fence with the current legislation.
Chris M. Garner (@napturallychris)
