“What the past 8 years have taught us is that healthcare reform requires an evidence-based, careful approach, driven by what is best for the American people. That is why Republicans’ plan to repeal the ACA with no plan to replace and improve it is so reckless,” President Obama wrote.
He said he is proud of the progress made by the ACA, such as growth in health insurance coverage, improved consumer protections for people with employer-based coverage and development of value-based payment systems for providers. However, President Obama also wrote that improvements are needed and expected in the next administration.
However, President Obama feels repealing the healthcare reform law without a replacement plan at the ready is “irresponsible.” He opposes this method of change because of the complicated nature of healthcare. If partially undone, the whole system could potentially unravel, according to President Obama. For example, payers are currently negotiating plans for the 2018 exchanges. If the ACA is repealed, they may choose to increase prices or drop out altogether, leaving people uninsured or unable to afford care in the interim.
Some parts of the law may also not function without others, he also wrote. For example, the provision requiring insurance companies to provide coverage to people with preexisting conditions is difficult to finance without the individual mandate, which ensures a robust risk pool.
Lastly, he warned that a vote on a replacement proposal may never come, due to unforeseen events in the next two to three years, which could jeopardize care for millions of Americans.
“If a repeal with a delay is enacted, the healthcare system will be standing on the edge of a cliff, resulting in uncertainty and, in some cases, harm beginning immediately,” President Obama wrote.
Read the full report here.
More articles on leadership and management:
Former Henry Ford Health System CEO Nancy Schlichting will not take VA secretary position
US Sen. Rand Paul casts protest vote as Senate takes first step toward ACA repeal
Biden plans cancer nonprofit, ‘deliberately’ unaffiliated with a health system
