What will happen if Obama Care is struck down?

If the Trump Administration were to repeal the Affordable Care Act, over 21 million Americans would lose their health insurance. Of these 21 million, over 9 million of them receive a subsidy by the government. These subsidies cover a majority of the monthly premium costs covered by the federal government in 39 states. If the federal government were to stop subsidizing these premiums, it is unlikely that the state governments could cover these costs, leaving these people without coverage.

Another factor that could be affected by losing the Affordable Care Act is those Americans with preexisting conditions. The Affordable Care Act made it illegal to deny any one health insurance due to pre-existing conditions. Almost half-of Americans covered by insurance in the United States  have pre-existing conditions that could affect their insurance if the act was removed. Removing Obama Care could increase premiums or even make certain Americans not qualify for health insurance.

Many people would potentially be forced to pay a lot more with the loss of laws on caps on their coverage. Before 2009, insurance companies could place yearly or lifetime caps on the amount of coverage for those with expensive treatment diseases. The repeal of Obama Care would potentially return these caps. It would also increase the cost of opioid addiction medication for those on Medicaid and greatly increase the cost of medical care for the uninsured.

Other groups that could potentially lose coverage include young adults on their parents coverage and the 12 million adults on Medicaid. If the act was removed, employers would have the option, not the obligation, to cover young adults on their parents plans. It also could eliminate the 12 million adults and 3 million children by limiting the number of people eligible for Medicaid and CHIP.

Other provisions of the ObamaCare, such as requiring calorie information on food in restaurants and stores, would no longer be in effect if the laws were eliminated.