Protecting insurance coverage for millions of Americans has become increasingly important and dire. Especially during an uncontrolled pandemic, affordable and quality health insurance is imperative to keeping our communities safe. President Trump has lied time and time again about his plan to protect coverage for Americans with pre-existing conditions, with an ulterior motive to repeal Obamacare present. Now, with the untimely death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the subsequent shift of the makeup of the supreme court, health care is at a higher risk than ever before.
Affordable Care Act & Pre-existing Conditions
The passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, addressed protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions who were often denied access to other coverage due to their health status. It has become a readily used health care option for millions of Americans who rely on it due to unemployment, expired coverage, or the high cost of other plans. Currently 20 million Americans are enrolled under the ACA, with 8.3 million enrolling in 2020.
Republicans Attack on the ACA & Trump’s Lawsuit
Republicans have fought against the ACA from the beginning. They’ve attempted to repeal the ACA as a whole over and over, and have made changes to drive up costs, reducing protections for those with pre-existing conditions. Most recently they halted all funding to educate the American people about enrollment deadlines and coverage options through the ACA. Eight years ago the Republicans party lost a lawsuit presented to the Supreme Court attempting to weaken protections provided by the ACA. Now, the Trump administration is launching another lawsuit attempting to repeal the ACA and go back to charging those with pre-existing conditions higher, unaffordable rates for coverage.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Untimely Passing
The untimely passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been devastating. Her contributions to the Supreme Court were extremely pivotal for women’s rights, and human rights in general. Related to the fight against the ACA, it has been particularly devastating, creating a court that is split 4-4, making a vote to overturn Obamacare less of a fantasy.
As the days leading up to the 2020 election dwindle, the fight against Obamacare has hit a fever pitch. Trump’s attempts to destroy the ACA, and leave millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions at risk, is more viable than ever before.
To read more about the Republican and Trump administration-led attack on the Affordable Care Act, head to the New York Magazine here.
