Trump Calls to End Obamacare Subsidies and Send Cash Directly to Americans
Critics warn it could destabilize insurance markets, with no detailed plan public.
Overview
- Trump urged Senate Republicans on Truth Social to redirect "hundreds of billions" now paid to insurers under the ACA directly to individuals to purchase coverage.
- He reiterated the idea in an all-caps post attacking "BIG, BAD" insurance companies and asserting people would buy "much better" policies for less.
- Senator Bill Cassidy voiced support on X, writing that funds should go "directly to the patients."
- Economists and health advocates cautioned that cash transfers in place of insurer-based subsidies would fuel adverse selection, raise premiums, and push more people to forgo needed care.
- No implementation details have been released, and the proposal lands during a shutdown as Congress debates whether to extend enhanced ACA subsidies.