Donald Trump doesn't have a plan for replacing the ACA
Trump has talked big about Repealing and Replacing the Affordable Care Act, but he has not been clear as to what he would build to replace it.
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The Argument
Over the course of his administration, Trump has systematically defunded the ACA. Yet he has given little in the way of alternatives for people losing their coverage. He has taken measures to reduce the scope of programs like Medicare and Medicaid by implementing new rules to be eligible for these programs. Requirements, such as the need to be a volunteer or be in employment to be eligible for Medicaid have lowered the coverage rates for those in vulnerable positions in society. Overall, since 2016 an estimated 1.4 million people have become uninsured as a result of the policies implemented by President Trump[1].
Furthermore, Trump's administration has put forward a proposal to take a vote on several key aspects of the ACA to the Supreme Court. This vote could determine whether the ACA remains as we know it and put up to 23 million people at risk of losing coverage. This vote is scheduled to take place later in November. This vote has seen a great deal of backlash from both sides of the political spectrum. As one Republican strategist, Joel White, said “pretty dumb to be talking about how we need to repeal Obamacare in the middle of a pandemic.”[2]
Despite this, there is little to point to what Trump's plans are should his vote pass. His constant talks of building something better than Obamacare do not point towards policy proposals, and his website does not outline a healthcare plan[3].
Counter arguments
The Republican Party does have a healthcare plan replacement for the ACA. It involves increasing access and more flexibility to doctors, improvements to telemedicine to reduce the strain to hospitalizations and protections for the chronically ill patients[4]. These policies are designed to help the most vulnerable in the population while still preserving the freedom of choice and keeping costs and government involvement as low as possible.
Premises
[P1] Trump has tried to replace the ACA.
[P2] Many Americans need support in order to afford healthcare.
[P3] Many Americans need programs such as Medicare and Medicaid to have access to health insurance.