Don’t undermine ACA
Despite the beer-swilling party in the Rose Garden, Trump’s, Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ and the GOP’s plans to repeal and replace the ACA went down in flames. Instead of admitting the fact that only 17 percent of Americans supported the proposed legislation and changing direction, Trump gleefully speculated that the health care system under the ACA would fail. Instead of “The buck stops here,” Trump offers us “Not my fault!”
Well it is. Beyond his failure to lead, he has actively sought to undercut the pillars that hold the health care system in place. His administration cancelled contracts with two companies that helped thousands of Americans in 18 cities find health care. He slashed the enrollment period from 90 days to just 45 days.
He cancelled already-paid-for advertisements that reminded people to sign up. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price produced videos depicting the ACA as harmful to families. Trump has threatened to cut off ACA subsidies and weakened enforcement of the penalties for failing to maintain health insurance, destabilizing insurance markets.
The ACA has problems. It’s his job to help fix it. Get off the golf course and get to work!
Barry Linehan
Spokane