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Will millions of people lose health insurance if Trump's tax bill becomes law?

The article from WMUR, titled "GOP health care bill could lead to loss of insurance for many," delves into the potential impacts of the Republican health care bill, known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA), on the American population. The article, published on June 22, 2017, provides a comprehensive analysis of the proposed changes and their implications, particularly focusing on the potential loss of health insurance for millions of Americans.

The AHCA, which was passed by the House of Representatives in May 2017, aimed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. The bill proposed significant changes to the health care system, including the elimination of the individual mandate, the restructuring of Medicaid, and the introduction of age-based tax credits. These changes were intended to reduce federal spending and give states more flexibility in managing their health care programs.

One of the most significant concerns raised in the article is the potential loss of health insurance for millions of Americans. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the AHCA could result in 23 million people losing their health insurance by 2026. This estimate includes both those who would lose coverage through Medicaid and those who would no longer be able to afford private insurance.

The article highlights the impact of the proposed changes to Medicaid, which is a joint federal-state program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. Under the AHCA, the federal government would transition from an open-ended matching program to a per capita cap or block grant system. This change would limit the amount of federal funding states receive, potentially leading to reduced coverage and benefits for Medicaid recipients.

The article also discusses the potential impact of the AHCA on the individual market, where people purchase health insurance directly from insurance companies. The elimination of the individual mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty, could lead to a rise in the number of uninsured individuals. Additionally, the proposed age-based tax credits, which would replace the ACA's income-based subsidies, could make insurance less affordable for older Americans and those with lower incomes.

The article includes interviews with several experts and stakeholders who provide their perspectives on the potential impacts of the AHCA. Dr. John Weeks, a professor of health policy at the University of New Hampshire, expresses concern about the potential loss of coverage for vulnerable populations, such as those with pre-existing conditions and low-income families. He argues that the proposed changes could lead to a widening of the coverage gap and increased financial strain on individuals and families.

The article also features the perspective of a small business owner, Sarah Johnson, who relies on the ACA's subsidies to provide health insurance to her employees. Johnson expresses concern about the potential impact of the AHCA on her ability to offer affordable coverage to her workers, stating that the proposed changes could force her to either reduce benefits or increase costs for her employees.

In addition to the potential loss of insurance coverage, the article discusses the impact of the AHCA on health care costs. The CBO estimates that the bill could lead to higher premiums for older Americans and those with pre-existing conditions. The article cites a study from the Kaiser Family Foundation, which found that the AHCA could result in a 20% increase in premiums for a 64-year-old earning $26,500 per year.

The article also addresses the potential impact of the AHCA on the health care industry, including hospitals and health care providers. The proposed changes to Medicaid and the individual market could lead to a reduction in the number of insured patients, potentially resulting in increased uncompensated care costs for hospitals and providers. The article quotes Dr. Lisa Schwartz, a hospital administrator, who expresses concern about the potential impact of the AHCA on the financial stability of health care institutions.

The article concludes by discussing the political landscape surrounding the AHCA and the ongoing debate in the Senate. At the time of the article's publication, the Senate was working on its own version of the health care bill, with several senators expressing concerns about the potential impact on their constituents. The article notes that the future of the AHCA remained uncertain, with many experts predicting that the Senate would make significant changes to the bill before bringing it to a vote.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the potential impacts of the American Health Care Act on the American population. It highlights the concerns of experts, stakeholders, and individuals who could be affected by the proposed changes, including the potential loss of insurance coverage, increased health care costs, and the impact on the health care industry. The article serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complex issues surrounding the GOP health care bill and its potential implications for millions of Americans.

Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/gop-health-care-bill-insurance-loss/65279010 ]