With President-elect Donald Trump transitioning to the White House in late January 2017, Americans inch that much closer to seeing the controversial and failing Obamacare law either being completely scrapped, or enduring a significant overhaul that will all-but change it as a whole.
The person in charge with implementing any changes to the law once the Congress finished gutting the law will be the Rep. Tom Price (R), who was just tapped by Trump to be his Secretary of Health and Human Resources.
"Chairman Price, a renowned physician, has earned a reputation for being a tireless problem solver and the go-to expert on healthcare policy, making him the ideal choice to serve in this capacity," Trump said in a statement. "He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American. I am proud to nominate him as Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
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Trump campaigned on repealing and replacing the law, and Price has voted in the House of Representatives to do exactly that.
"I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people.”-Rep. Tom Price (R)
While Price and other Republicans have voted on legislation to “Repeal and Replace” Obamacare, Price is willing to keep some good provisions that are found within the law.
Price supports keeping protections for Americans with pre-existing medical conditions without forcing everyone to have to carry healthcare coverage or pay a penalty for not doing so.
The opposition to Rep. Tom Price’s nomination.
The sparks will surely fly during Price’s Senate confirmation hearings
Along with Democratic members of Congress, there are those groups and individuals who favor keeping the healthcare law intact.
One of those groups is Main Street Alliance, who recently put out a statement condemning Price as HHS Secretary because of his past support for repealing and replacing President Obama’s legacy healthcare legislation.
“A repeal of the ACA would totally blow up our health care system, and no one is prepared for the impact, not state governments, providers, consumers, or the small businesses on Main Street,” said Jim Houser, the owner of Hawthorne Auto Clinic in Portland, OR and Main Street Alliance Executive Committee Member.
“In 6 years, incoming Secretary Tom Price and the GOP haven’t floated an idea for a replacement that did not rapidly demonstrate that it would blow up the deficit, grow the debt, cut coverage for small business owners and our employees, and hurt providers.”
Under the Affordable Care Act, health care costs are down, coverage is at an all-time high, and small businesses are positioned to match the offerings of their larger competitors and can afford to obtain coverage for themselves and their families. With the right Cabinet and advisors, President Trump could work to improve the law–further controlling prices and increasing access. But by pegging a member of Congress laser-focused on efforts to repeal the law for a Cabinet position, Mr. Trump appears to be doubling down on his campaign promise to repeal the law despite its successes.
Well, let’s talk about that healthcare coverage. Let me inject my personal thoughts. I am sure I speak for all Americans, especially many Arizonans who are about to lose their healthcare coverage.
First of all, in the past two years, I have been dropped from (3) healthcare plans because of the increasing costs associated with Obamacare. Blue Cross dropped me from two plans in one year, and Humana just notified me that as of Jan.1, 2017, my plan would be shelved.
Because so many healthcare plans are being closed down, my only option is AvMed.
My monthly premiums has gone way up, and so has my yearly deductible. Should I hold my breathe to see if AvMed drops me next December like Blue Cross and Humana did?
So who is Rep. Tom Price?
Price is a genuinely nice guy, who knows a thing or two about Orthopedics.
On a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Washington, D.C. in 2013, Price and I share some great medical stories. Since I am a walking Orthopedic case-6 surgeries and counting-we had a lot to talk about.
Price also sat down with me in his D.C. office to talk about what else, Obamacare, and the federal budget.
Price is also vice chairman of the Congressional Budget Committee.
