On January 28, 2021, President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare coverage for Americans.
The order is a step towards fulfilling Biden's campaign promise to build on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and improve access to healthcare for all Americans. The executive order includes several provisions that could have a significant impact on health coverage in America.
One of the key provisions of the executive order is the reopening of enrollment in the ACA marketplace. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to open a special enrollment period for the ACA marketplace from February 15 to May 15, 2021. This will allow individuals who may have lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other circumstances to enroll in coverage.
The special enrollment period is expected to benefit millions of Americans who may be uninsured or underinsured. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as many as 4 million uninsured individuals could be eligible for ACA marketplace coverage. The reopening of enrollment is also expected to benefit individuals who are currently enrolled in ACA marketplace plans, as they will have the opportunity to shop for more affordable coverage options.
Another provision of the executive order is the expansion of access to Medicaid. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to consider whether to create a special enrollment period for Medicaid and to review and strengthen Medicaid and the ACA. The order also directs the department to examine ways to ensure that Medicaid programs are providing comprehensive coverage to enrollees.
The expansion of Medicaid could benefit millions of low-income Americans who may not have access to affordable healthcare coverage. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that provides healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, families, and children, as well as people with disabilities and the elderly. By expanding access to Medicaid, the executive order could help close the coverage gap for millions of Americans who may not be eligible for other forms of health insurance.
Another provision of the executive order is the expansion of access to affordable prescription drugs. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to review and take action to address high drug prices, including through increased competition, better negotiation, and increased transparency. The order also directs the department to develop a plan to combat price gouging and other unfair practices by pharmaceutical companies.
The high cost of prescription drugs has been a major barrier to healthcare access for many Americans. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, one in four Americans say they have difficulty affording their prescription medications. By taking action to address high drug prices and increase access to affordable prescription drugs, the executive order could help make healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions of Americans.
Finally, the executive order includes several provisions aimed at strengthening the Affordable Care Act. The order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to reexamine policies that undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions, including by allowing states to expand Medicaid and by ensuring that essential health benefits are covered. The order also directs the department to take steps to protect women's health and reproductive rights.
The Affordable Care Act has been a contentious issue since it was passed in 2010. While the law has helped to expand access to healthcare coverage for millions of Americans, it has also faced challenges from opponents who argue that it is unconstitutional and that it undermines free market principles. By strengthening the ACA, the executive order could help ensure that millions of Americans have access to affordable healthcare coverage, regardless of their income, pre-existing conditions, or other factors.