(VOVWORLD) - The US House of Representatives just passed a new healthcare bill proposed by the Trump administration to replace the Affordable Care Act – popularly known as Obamacare – created by the previous administration. If the bill also passes the Senate, it will have a drastic impact on low income Americans, who make up a growing share of the population.
 The American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA) to replace the Obamacare has been approved by the US Lower House. (Photo: AP) |
Hundreds of people carrying banners and signs gathered outside the Capitol building to protest the attempt by Republicans to repeal and replace Obamacare.
If the bill is passed by the Senate, government assistance for people who buy health insurance will cahnge. State subsidized health care programs for poor people and people with disabilities will also be cut. Hospitals are likely to face financial difficulties because of these cuts.
According to analysts, the new bill will most benefit wealthy people, employers, medical equipment companies, and people who need little or no health insurance.
Obamacare, a sweeping reform of the US healthcare system championed by former US President Barack Obama, which increased health insurance coverage for most Americans, including low-income people, is considered the signature accomplishment of Obama’s presidency.
The program has helped low-income Americans get access to better health care services. About 8.8 million Americans are covered under Obamacare. Since Obamacare went into effect, the percentage of uninsured Americans fell from 20% to 10%.
Obamacare also expanded free health care programs for disabled, poor, and elderly individuals. But despite these benefits, the Republican Party has always opposed the program because it forces wealthy Americans to pay higher taxes to fund the benefits for poorer Americans.
The US is the only developed country that doesn’t have guaranteed universal health care and also the country with the world’s highest medical costs.