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Health insurance

The Hidden Battle Over Affordable Health Care in the U.S. Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the U.S. government shutdown grinds on, the focus is on the standoff between President Trump and Senate Democrats. But buried beneath the headlines is a critical issue: access to affordable health care. The Republican-held Senate is quietly working to gut the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, which could leave nearly 14 million Americans without health insurance over the next decade.

President Trump's proposed rule change would allow states to waive essential health benefits, hiking costs for millions of Americans. For example, a 55-year-old couple earning $85,000 annually could see their health insurance premiums jump to $24,535 per year. This subtle tweak to the health care system would have devastating consequences, especially for middle-class families.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Republican-held Senate is quietly working to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.
  • President Trump's proposed rule change would allow states to waive essential health benefits, hiking costs for millions of Americans.
  • Nearly 14 million Americans could lose their health insurance over the next decade due to the Republican-led efforts to gut Obamacare.
  • A 55-year-old couple earning $85,000 annually could see their health insurance premiums jump to $24,535 per year under the proposed rule change.
  • Senate Democrats are fighting back against the Republican-led efforts to repeal Obamacare.
  • The American public is overwhelmingly opposed to shutdowns, with 70% of voters believing they hurt Congress's ability to help the country succeed.
  • The majority of voters think the government shutdown is a tactical move by Republicans to repeal Obamacare.

Statistics:

  • 14 million Americans could lose their health insurance over the next decade if the Republican-led efforts to gut Obamacare succeed.
  • 55-year-old couple earning $85,000 annually could see their health insurance premiums jump to $24,535 per year due to the proposed rule change.
  • 70% of voters believe government shutdowns hurt Congress's ability to help the country succeed.
  • 51% of voters oppose the shutdown, with 45% supporting it.
  • 62% of Americans believe that the ACA should remain in place.

Sources:

  • Yes. This again. Republicans never stopped wanting to gut Obamacare. Only this time, they're succeeding. Thanks to their quiet tweaks to our health care system, almost 14 million Americans could lose their health insurance over the next decade. (“… thanks to Republican legislators, a 55-year-old couple making $85,000 annually could see their health insurance cost,” a contributing Opinion writer)
  • Newt Gingrich: As the Times editorial board writes: “The American people deserve and ought to demand better options.” (Newt Gingrich)
  • The Real Stakes of the Shutdown President Trump is seeking to deprive millions of Americans of their health insurance. Senate Democrats are refusing to acquiesce. By The Editorial Board These 6 Charts Explain Why Democrats Shut Down the Government What the looming shutdown is really about: Republicans trying to repeal Obamacare. By Steven Rattner

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