As the election is coming to a close, it’s important to understand what each candidate intends to change in the health care arena and how that might affect your coverage moving forward.
However, you should know, the election is not likely to affect your coverage in 2017 because congress must approve the new policies before they’re enacted. So cast your vote while considering the candidate’s intended actions for the future of the health care system. But also, remember to research your health insurance options and enroll in a plan that meets your needs for next year before the upcoming deadlines. If you purchase your own health insurance, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan before Dec. 7 or an Individual or Family plan before Dec. 15 for your insurance coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2017.
Below is a quick snapshot of the primary candidate’s perspectives about health care, according to Kaiser Family Foundation:
Hillary Clinton – Democrat
Hillary Clinton’s health care plan involves keeping and evolving the current Affordable Care Act. Her goal would be to increase premium tax credits available through the Marketplace ensuring that individuals and families pay no more than 8.5 percent of their income on health insurance premiums. In order to increase affordability, she wants to bring down out-of-pocket costs such as copayments and deductibles as well as lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
Clinton intends to expand healthcare access to more families through the Marketplace, regardless of immigration status, as well as allow individuals 55 plus to enroll in Medicare.
Donald Trump – Republican
Donald Trump’s health care vision revolves around repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Trump wants to allow citizens to fully deduct their health insurance premium payments from their tax returns. In addition, he plans to allow people to enroll in a tax-free Health Savings Account to pay for health care services out-of-pocket. This account could be inherited without a tax penalty.
In addition, Trump’s goal is to create a health care system that is patient-centered and promotes quality, choice and affordability. He plans on doing this by leveraging market forces to drive down prices across the country by allowing people to purchase insurance across state lines and requiring health care providers to be transparent on prices so individuals can shop around.
For more information, view the full side-by-side comparison that Kaiser Family Foundation created about the candidate’s health care positions.
Regardless of who wins the presidential election this November, the health care of the average American will not change for a few years while the new policies are reviewed and approved by Congress.
Therefore, make sure that in addition to voting, you enroll in health care coverage for you and your family this fall.
Visit priorityhealth.com to learn more about Individual and Medicare plans and enroll before the upcoming deadlines for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2017.
