A new study by health consulting firm Avalere estimates that a proposal presented by the Trump administration, which would allow businesses and associations to band together to buy health insurance, would move more than three million enrollees out of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by 2022. Association examples could be something as recognized as the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, or a group of people who call themselves the “Self-Employed 1099ers”. (That is a group I personally would jump into). You can read more about the study’s findings by reading the complete article here.

So why would this proposal move so many people out of the ObamaCare marketplace and why are some people so concerned about it? The answer is simple and is as close to you as your wallet. That’s right, that thing in the back pocket of your pants, or the purse that you carry with you.
The fact is that you and I cannot print money, we actually have to earn it. So for those who believe the Government should take care of the entire population from cradle to grave, these studies are concerning to them because it takes control away from the government with every wallet or purse that leaves the system.

However, Trump’s plan to allow associations to offer health insurance and other benefits will likely start to deteriorate this thought process. With this proposal, Insurance Commissioners in each state will be able to decide whether or not to allow associations in their state to offer health benefits. As states begin to approve this process, approximately 3.2 million people, according to the study, will leave Obamacare, taking their wallets and purses with them.

This shift of power from the Federal Government to the states, and then from the states down to associations and groups, leads me to believe that fewer people will approve of and support Obamacare after this happens. More power will be given to individuals to find ways to source their own health insurance options and fewer people will need to rely on the government for their medical needs.

Obviously it is very difficult, impossible even, to accurately forecast the future of healthcare. However, I see this proposal as an overall positive for everyone looking for solutions to their medical needs, and I look forward to sharing more as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve.

Steven Gilbert