How Will Trump's Healthcare Orders Impact Consumer and Senior Healthcare Costs?

President Trump has issued a comprehensive executive order that reverses several health care policies implemented by former President Biden. The order addresses regulations that were intended to lower healthcare costs. Trump made these key changes:

Affordable Care Act: President Trump has rescinded the extended enrollment periods and funding for expanded ACA enrollment initiated by President Biden. This action may make it more challenging for individuals to obtain or modify their medical insurance policies.

Drug Pricing: President Biden had proposed three tests aimed at reducing drug costs and improving access to medications; however, these tests had not fully taken effect. President Trump has halted these initiatives, resulting in potential benefits for drug manufacturers. Specifically, President Trump has:

A) Stopped tests of Multi-State Purchasing Agreements designed to help state Medicaid programs negotiate lower prices for medical therapies;

B) Terminated the cost-savings measures that would have allowed Medicare to pay less for drugs receiving accelerated approvals from the FDA;

C) Ended a pilot project that encouraged Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to offer generic drugs for common conditions at a flat $2 copay. Consequently, Trump’s order is likely to maintain higher drug prices for consumers and seniors.

Covid-19: President Trump has revoked policies aimed at enhancing Covid-19 testing, research, and international cooperation. Additionally, he has directed the United States to withdraw from its membership in the World Health Organization.

Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/01/20/trump-executive-orders-health-care-drug-pricing-aca-covid-gender-discrimination/