The Daily Item
October 19, 2024
Enacted almost 15 years ago, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) had three main goals:
Provide affordable health insurance to more people, expand Medicaid to more lower-income individuals, and lower the costs of healthcare.
The ACA also provides many benefits for women, including:
- Increased access to private and public insurance.
- Equal premiums for men and women of the same age.
- 100% coverage for preventive services, including contraception.
- Mammograms and cervical cancer screenings.
- Breastfeeding and well-baby care benefits.
- Screenings for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
- Improved access to and outcomes for mental health care.
- More affordable healthcare and prescription medications.
Donald Trump says he has a “concept of a plan” to replace the ACA. His running mate, JD Vance, told NBC News that this “concept” is to deregulate the healthcare market. In other words, scrap the ACA and many, if not all, of the benefits provided.
Vice President Kamala Harris has vowed to protect and expand the health benefits for all Americans. As a senator, Harris voted against repealing the ACA. She also proposes to expand Medicare coverage to help Americans who are struggling to find affordable home care for themselves or aging relatives.
Martha Hass
Lewisburg