The Nuts And Bolts Of The American Health Care Act
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Nuts And Bolts Of The American Health Care Act

A confusing piece of legislation explained

14
The Nuts And Bolts Of The American Health Care Act
Petr Svab

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days, you know that on May 4, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1628—otherwise known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). This victory for House Republicans aims to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dubbed “Obamacare.” And if you’re like me, you’re scrolling through all the questionable articles on Facebook, wondering what the legislation actually says. NPR, in response to this, published an article that lists out the facts, an effort to lessen the confusion about the bill that seems to be scattered everywhere.

So what does the legislation actually say? First things first, the bill states that Americans are no longer required to purchase health insurance plans through marketplaces set up by the ACA. In addition, the tax penalty Americans faced in the ACA for not purchasing insurance plans would be a thing of the past. This decision is now up to the individual.

Second, income-based tax credits and subsidies the ACA introduced, under the AHCA, would be age-based. So, older Americans would be eligible for more tax credits with this legislation’s passage. Insurers, however, make the decision of how much to charge.

Along with the adjustment on tax credits in the AHCA, there would also be tax cuts. What does this mean? It means that the taxes the ACA put into place would be cut since the subsidies system would change. The taxes would essentially be useless, so they get cut.

One of the major changes in the AHCA would be with Medicaid, the system to help the poor and disabled pay for health insurance. The Affordable Care Act significantly worked to expand Medicaid. With the AHCA, these expansions would begin being taken down beginning in 2019. Medicaid, originally an entitlement program, would become a grant program. In terms of what this would look like, states would get a set amount of money from the federal government either in aa fixed dollar amount, or based on the number of Medicaid consumers.

Now comes the hot-button issue under the AHCA—pre-existing conditions. Facts and myths have been spreading like wildfire across social media. It’s time to get down to business and take a look at the facts. The main point is that the AHCA would still protect those with pre-existing conditions. However, under the AHCA, insurers can be the judge of which pre-existing conditions to pay for and which ones to cut. So, to everyone saying “Trump doesn’t care about pre-existing conditions,” I encourage you to read more and get more educated. Insurers are the judges here, not President Trump. And just because something could go a certain way, that doesn’t mean it will. There’s a difference.

For those of you worried about a lack of coverage, here’s the good news. There are state waivers in place in the AHCA. House Republicans know that there are liberal states in the nation that will not want to take part in the AHCA. So, they instituted the option for states to decide if they will completely repeal the Affordable Care Act within their borders.

This is essentially the nuts and bolts of the American Health Care Act. If you’re even more like me, you’re considering reading the legislation in its entirety to get all of your questions answered. The important thing to note about this legislation is it still has to pass in the Senate—which might not happen.

We live in an age where opinions take over social media and inhibit our understanding of the facts. So, I encourage you to get educated. The world needs it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

96533
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments