On today’s episode of Regulatory Joe, we sat down with Josh Schultz, Strategic Engagement Manager at CITIZ3N, to talk about the impact of the upcoming U.S. election on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how health plans can prepare for a variety of outcomes.
As we approach November’s election, one thing is clear: the results have the potential to significantly reshape how our country approaches healthcare. While the ACA has seen record-high enrollment in recent years, critical policies governing exchanges, subsidies and plan designs could undergo major changes depending on who takes office.
Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:
- The election results could reshape federal and state control over ACA marketplaces. Under Democratic leadership, more states may choose to run their own state-based ACA marketplaces. Under Republican leadership, it’s more likely that states will continue relying on the federal marketplace or even reduce their involvement in state-based marketplaces.
- The future of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) health insurance subsidies is still uncertain. Expanded ACA subsidies, crucial to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans, could be extended or rescinded based on the winner of the presidential election. If these subsidies expire, ACA enrollments will likely drop to pre-2021 levels, affecting health plans and consumers alike. This would particularly impact individuals above 400% of the poverty level, who would lose financial help to buy insurance.
- The newly released draft of the 2026 NBPP could be frozen or reversed based on the next administration. Depending on the administration, recent regulations like the Benefit and Payment Parameters may be frozen, re-evaluated, or reversed entirely, leading to a volatile regulatory environment.
As we await the results of the 2024 election, it’s important for everyone in the healthcare space to stay informed about the potential regulatory shifts that could come with a new administration. The results will undoubtedly shape the future of health insurance across the country and staying prepared for what could come next is critical.
