Trump’s Executive Order Makes Coverage More Expensive for Young People with Pre-Existing Conditions

[WASHINGTON]– Today, President Trump signed an executive order instructing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, and Labor to consider changes that would undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in three ways.

• First, the order urges increases to the availability of short-term policies that do not cover pre-existing conditions and other basic health benefits. As the generation most likely to experience extraordinary life transitions, like leaving college, aging off a parent’s health plan, or switching jobs, this change could leave more young people without quality coverage they need.
• Second, the order urges increased availability of plans that don’t have to cover basic health care services and would undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions by proliferating association health plans (AHPs). This will make comprehensive coverage more costly for small businesses that have employees with pre-existing conditions.
• Third, the order urges a relaxation of rules regarding the use of Health Reimbursement Arrangements, which could incentivize employers to stop offering their workers health insurance altogether.