Briefing Paper – Health Policy of Donald J. Trump
- This briefing paper is supplied for information purposes and is not an endorsement or criticism of any particular policy or candidate.
- As of 4 March 2016, and according to a document entitled ‘HealthCare Reform to Make America Great Again’ [1], GOP front runner, Donald Trump has committed to the following:
- Ask Congress to repeal ‘ObamaCare’, which Mr Trump claims is an economic burden, has resulted in runaway costs, websites that don’t work, greater rationing of care, higher premiums, less competition and fewer choices.
- Mr Trump promises to “follow free market principles” to “broaden healthcare access”, “make healthcare more affordable and improve the quality of the care available to all Americans”.
- ‘ObamaCare’ to be repealed along with the individual mandate (“no person should be required to buy insurance unless he or she wants to”).
- Allow health insurance to be purchased across state lines, “as long as the plan purchase complies with state requirements”, i.e. establish a national insurance market.
- Allow individuals to fully deduct health insurance premium payments from their tax returns under the current tax system (as is the case now with businesses).
- Review options for Medicaid (state run Medicare) to ensure those who want healthcare coverage can have it.
- Allow individuals to establish Health Savings Accounts with tax free contributions allowed to accumulate, and be incorporated into the estate of an individual for inheritance without estate taxes. Claims that this scheme will attract young and healthy people with high deductible insurance plans and that HSAs can be used by any member of the family without penalty. [No mention of any maximum or minimum balance or cap.]
- Require “price transparency” from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organisations like clinics and hospitals. “Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure.”
- Pay for Medicaid by issuing block-grants to the States. States to set the rules for Medicaid benefits.
- Remove barriers to entry into the market for drug providers that offer safe, reliable and cheaper products. Allow consumers access to safe and dependable drugs from overseas.
- Reform mental health programs and institutions. Reference to current reforms before Congress.
Stephen Milgate
CEO, Australian Doctors’ Fund
4 March 2016
[1] HealthCare Reform to Make America Great Again, https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/healthcare-reform
