According to a Fox News poll published October 17, 2018, the issue voters are most concerned with in the midterm election is health care among likely voters. Closely followed by the economy and President Trump, health care is extremely important to 58% of likely Democrats and 34% of Republicans. 53% among registered voters disapprove of President Trump’s handling of health care.
Republicans are currently in control of the executive branch and both houses of the legislative branch, with a slim majority in the Senate. With health care being the most important issue in an election just over two weeks away, the status quo may change. While President Trump’s campaign promise to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (ACA) now seems a distant memory, he has signed a number of pieces of legislation regarding health care. These include allowing pharmacists to discuss less expensive alternatives with patients, repealing the individual mandate to maintain health insurance coverage, and expanding availability of association and short term health plans, as well as directing departments to find ways to increase competition.
Regardless of President Trump’s intentions, the marketplace has still enrolled 12.2 million and 11.8 million Americans in health insurance plans each of the last two years, respectively, despite half of the open enrollment duration. The marketplace will also boast more carriers than previous years, as the trial and error thus far has led to widespread profits amongst returning carriers. As a result of profitability and competition, health insurance plans through the marketplace are also expected to drop nationwide, on average, for the first time in the history of the ACA.
American Exchange is ready for 2019 Open Enrollment, running from November 1-December 15, 2018. Whether before or after you vote on November 6, give us a call at 1(888)995-1674 and we will be happy to assist you in enrolling in the plan that is best for you! Our licensed agents are ready to assist you and answer questions you may have.
