What Does the Election Mean for the ACA?

The two candidates had differing views on a variety of issues including health care reform leading up to election day. On November 8, Donald Trump was elected the 45 th president of the United States and will be inaugurated on January 20, 2017. So, what do the election results mean for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and compliance moving forward? Throughout Trump’s campaign he has called for a repeal of Obama’s healthcare reform legislation. Trump’s victory combined with Republican majorities retained in both the Senate and the House of Representatives could have a major impact on compliance issues in the coming years.

What to Expect

Employers should continue to prepare for the upcoming requirements and deadlines as they have been prior to the election. Although Trump has been elected, he will not take office until late January and thus no major legislative or regulatory changes are likely to take place prior to 2017.

The Future

While it is unclear exactly what changes will be made to the ACA over the next four years or when these changes will occur, in the past Republicans have suggested:

  • Repeal of the ACA, with or without a potential replacement health care reform legislation
  • Partial repeal of key provisions (such as the individual and employer mandates)
  • Changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs
  • New policies intended to expand coverage and lower health care costs

Again, it is important to note that the newly elected officials will not take office until early 2017, so employers that provide group health coverage must continue to prepare for the upcoming ACA deadlines .

Uncertainty

While Trump’s campaign called for a repeal of the ACA, he recently told the Wall Street Journal that he would consider keeping some parts, specifically the guarantee of coverage for those with pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to remain on parents’ plans through age 26. After meeting with President Obama, Trump stated, “I told him I will look at his suggestions, and out of respect, I will do that. Either Obamacare will be amended, or repealed and replaced.”

Uncertainty looms after the election and keeping up with compliance is always a tough task for HR professionals. If you have questions on how to prepare for open enrollment this year or what you can do to remain compliant, feel free to Contact Us!