Trump signs executive order expanding access to more healthcare choices and affordable options

Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order to reform the United States healthcare system to take the first steps to expand choices and alternatives to Obamacare plans and increase competition to bring down costs for consumers.

photo/ donkeyhotey

The order directs the Secretary of Labor to consider expanding access to Association Health Plans (AHPs), which could potentially allow American employers to form groups across State lines.

In addition, the order directs the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider expanding coverage through low cost short-term limited duration insurance (STLDI).

It also directs the Departments of the Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services to consider changes to Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) so employers can make better use of them for their employees.

“The time has come to give Americans the freedom to purchase health insurance across state lines, which will create a truly competitive national marketplace that will bring costs way down and provide far better care”, President Trump said.

Related: 

• Bernie Sanders Medicare for All Act of 2017: Some thoughts on the legislation
• Canada: Health care costs up 70 percent in the past 20 years
• America’s financial crisis: Health care and Social Security
• Ted Cruz’s Amendment to health care bill would keep Obamacare plans, if you want them