Since March of 2010, the American people
have had to suffer under the incredible economic burden of the Affordable Care
Act—Obamacare. This legislation, passed by totally partisan votes in the House
and Senate and signed into law by the most divisive and partisan President in
American history, has tragically but predictably resulted in runaway costs,
websites that don’t work, greater rationing of care, higher premiums, less
competition and fewer choices. Obamacare has raised the economic uncertainty of
every single person residing in this country. As it appears Obamacare is
certain to collapse of its own weight, the damage done by the Democrats and
President Obama, and abetted by the Supreme Court, will be difficult to repair
unless the next President and a Republican congress lead the effort to bring
much-needed free market reforms to the healthcare industry.
But none of these positive reforms can be
accomplished without Obamacare repeal. On day one of the Trump Administration,
we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare.
However, it is not enough to simply repeal
this terrible legislation. We will work with Congress to make sure we have a
series of reforms ready for implementation that follow free market principles
and that will restore economic freedom and certainty to everyone in this
country. By following free market principles and working together to create
sound public policy that will broaden healthcare access,
make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of the care available
to all Americans.
Any reform effort must begin with
Congress. Since Obamacare became law, conservative Republicans have been
offering reforms that can be delivered individually or as part of more
comprehensive reform efforts. In the remaining sections of this policy paper,
several reforms will be offered that should be considered by Congress so that
on the first day of the Trump Administration, we can start the process of
restoring faith in government and economic liberty to the people.
Congress must act. Our
elected representatives in the House and Senate must:
1. Completely repeal
Obamacare. Our elected representatives must eliminate the individual mandate.
No person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to.
2. Modify existing law
that inhibits the sale of health insurance across state lines. As long as the
plan purchased complies with state requirements, any vendor ought to be able to
offer insurance in any state. By allowing full competition in this market,
insurance costs will go down and consumer satisfaction will go up.
3. Allow individuals
to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under
the current tax system. Businesses are allowed to take these deductions so why
wouldn’t Congress allow individuals the same exemptions? As we allow the free
market to provide insurance coverage opportunities to companies and
individuals, we must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply
because they cannot afford insurance. We must review basic options for Medicaid
and work with states to ensure that those who want healthcare coverage can have
it.
4. Allow individuals
to use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions into HSAs should be
tax-free and should be allowed to accumulate. These accounts would become part
of the estate of the individual and could be passed on to heirs without fear of
any death penalty. These plans should be particularly attractive to young
people who are healthy and can afford high-deductible insurance plans. These
funds can be used by any member of a family without penalty. The flexibility
and security provided by HSAs will be of great benefit to all who participate.
5. Require price
transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare
organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to
find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related
procedure.
6. Block-grant
Medicaid to the states. Nearly every state already offers benefits beyond what
is required in the current Medicaid structure. The state governments know their
people best and can manage the administration of Medicaid far better without
federal overhead. States will have the incentives to seek out and eliminate
fraud, waste and abuse to preserve our precious resources.
7. Remove barriers to
entry into free markets for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and
cheaper products. Congress will need the courage to step away from the special
interests and do what is right for America. Though the pharmaceutical industry
is in the private sector, drug companies provide a public service. Allowing consumers
access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more
options to consumers.
The reforms outlined above will lower
healthcare costs for all Americans. They are simply a place to start. There are
other reforms that might be considered if they serve to lower costs, remove
uncertainty and provide financial security for all Americans. And we must also
take actions in other policy areas to lower healthcare costs and burdens.
Enforcing immigration laws, eliminating fraud and waste and energizing our
economy will relieve the economic pressures felt by every American. It is the
moral responsibility of a nation’s government to do what is best for the people
and what is in the interest of securing the future of the nation.
Providing healthcare to illegal immigrants
costs us some $11 billion annually. If we were to simply enforce the current
immigration laws and restrict the unbridled granting of visas to this country,
we could relieve healthcare cost pressures on state and local governments.
To reduce the number of individuals
needing access to programs like Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance
Program we will need to install programs that grow the economy and bring
capital and jobs back to America. The best social program has always been a job
– and taking care of our economy will go a long way towards reducing our
dependence on public health programs.
Finally, we need to reform our mental
health programs and institutions in this country. Families, without the ability
to get the information needed to help those who are ailing, are too often not
given the tools to help their loved ones. There are promising reforms being
developed in Congress that should receive bi-partisan support.
To reform healthcare in America, we need a
President who has the leadership skills, will and courage to engage the
American people and convince Congress to do what is best for the country. These
straightforward reforms, along with many others I have proposed throughout my
campaign, will ensure that together we will Make America Great Again.
