Health Changes Likely with Trump's Second Term

Former President Donald Trump's return to the White House could bring significant shifts in healthcare policies, potentially scaling back public insurance programs and increasing the uninsured rate. Key changes might involve rolling back protections from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), imposing Medicaid work requirements, and reducing funding. Additionally, there could be new barriers to reproductive care. With vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his inner circle, public health measures backed by science could face criticism. The ACA's popularity, such as protections for pre-existing conditions, remains high among the public, creating a challenging landscape for reform. Trump's administration will need to decide on the extension of enhanced premium subsidies, a move that could prevent steep premium hikes and higher uninsured rates. Republicans are likely to control the Senate, adding complexity to healthcare policies. Trump supporters predict he will focus on cost reductions and minimizing waste, similar to his previous term. But Democrats warn that these changes could raise costs for many and benefit the wealthy. Potential leaders for the Department of Health and Human Services include former Governor Bobby Jindal and Seema Verma, who ran Medicare & Medicaid Services during Trump’s first term. Reproductive rights are also uncertain. While Trump has stated that abortion decisions should be left to the states, access to abortion medications might be restricted. The future of Medicaid, which aids low-income and disabled individuals, is particularly vulnerable to spending cuts. Changes might include work requirements for beneficiaries in some states and capping federal Medicaid funding, which critics argue could lead to significant cuts.