The individual mandate, and Medicaid expansion are two significant components that may have an unjust impact on certain populations. Individual mandates require all people to have health insurance, or else pay a fine. Some argue that this unfairly punishes those without insurance and/or who do not wish to purchase it. Medicaid expansion was a program that aimed to cover low-income families and individuals, but it faced resistance from certain states, leading to coverage disparities for some populations.
Reasons for keeping the ACA include the increased access to healthcare for previously uninsured individuals and the provision allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance until the age of 26. A repeal of the ACA will result in many millions losing their health insurance. This is especially true for those with preexisting conditions. The ACA contains provisions that cover mental health and preventative services. These could be removed if this act were repealed.
The rising cost of health insurance premiums, and potential burdens on small business are all reasons to repeal or modify the ACA. Some claim that the individual mandatory is an unconstitutional abuse of power by the government and that ACA gives too much importance to government control over health care. Some are concerned about the fiscal sustainability of Medicaid expansion, and that the ACA could be funded by increased taxes.
There are debates going on in the current political environment about replacing and repealing the ACA. While attempts have been made to repeal the ACA before, it may be difficult in today’s political environment. COVID-19, a pandemic that has affected millions of people worldwide, highlighted the importance for individuals to have access to health care. Many people now rely on ACA coverage.
Final thoughts: The ACA has supporters as well as opponents. It has increased access to health care for many, but there are also concerns over its sustainability financially and the potential effects on certain populations. It is clear that the ACA debate will continue to be a topic of discussion in America.