An America-First Healthcare Plan
Oct 1, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Sep 24, 2020
Published on: Oct 1, 2020
Oct 1, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Sep 24, 2020
Published on: Oct 1, 2020
Summary
States the policy of the United States is to give Americans more healthcare choices, lower costs, and better care, especially for pre-existing conditions.
What problem does this solve?
Many Americans face high healthcare costs, limited insurance choices, and unexpected medical bills, with millions still uninsured despite previous laws. This order directs government agencies to expand affordable health options, increase price transparency, end surprise billing, and improve care for all Americans.
What does this order do?
Protects people with pre-existing conditions
States that it is the policy of the United States to ensure Americans with pre-existing conditions can get affordable health insurance, even if the Affordable Care Act is struck down.
Addresses surprise medical billing
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to work with Congress to pass a law ending surprise medical bills by December 31, 2020, or to take action on their own if no law is passed.
Increases hospital price transparency
Requires the Medicare.gov website to be updated to show if hospitals are following price transparency rules and how often they sue patients over bills.
Lowers prescription drug costs
Directs federal agencies to continue working on ways to lower drug costs, such as approving more generic drugs and allowing the safe importation of cheaper drugs from other countries.
Expands healthcare choices
Instructs federal agencies to continue actions that expand access to different and more affordable healthcare options for Americans.
Who does this affect?
- Americans with pre-existing conditions
- Patients receiving hospital care
- Medicare beneficiaries
What is the real world impact?
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Improve healthcare access and affordability
Aims to make healthcare better and cheaper by giving patients more choices, making prices clear, and lowering the cost of medicine.
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Outline a political vision for healthcare
Serves as a policy statement that contrasts the administration's healthcare approach with the Affordable Care Act, highlighting its own actions and goals.
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Lacks specific new enforcement actions
Directs agencies to continue existing efforts rather than creating new, specific programs. Critics might argue it's a policy declaration without strong new actions to guarantee protections if the ACA is overturned.
When does this start?
This order takes effect immediately and sets several deadlines for future actions.
Action on surprise medical billing
A legislative solution should be reached by December 31, 2020. If not, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must take administrative action.
Update to Medicare.gov
The Medicare.gov Hospital Compare website must be updated within 180 days of September 24, 2020, to include hospital billing quality information.
Hospital price transparency rule effective date
The order references the Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule, which becomes effective on January 1, 2021.