The Biden campaign has released a new ad focusing on the Affordable Care Act and the potential consequences of a repeal if Trump is reelected. The ad, which will run in swing states, highlights the unpopularity of Trump’s attempt to repeal the ACA in 2017 and the potential impact on millions of Americans. The threat to the law is real, with Trump spending his presidency trying to undermine the ACA through various means. The ad aims to remind voters of this history and to emphasize the importance of protecting the ACA.
In addition to preventing the repeal of the ACA, the ad also promises to extend vital changes to the program that have reduced costs for millions of Americans. These changes, implemented by Biden and the Democrats, have made insurance more affordable for many individuals and families. Without these changes, the cost of insurance could increase for millions of Americans. The new ad is a call to action for voters to consider the impact of their choice in November and to support policies that protect and expand access to affordable health care.
The Affordable Care Act was designed to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for individuals buying coverage on their own rather than through employers. The law prohibited insurance companies from charging more or denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions and offered subsidies to reduce premiums for those who needed assistance. While the ACA improved access to care, some individuals still faced high premiums and limited coverage options.
In 2021, the American Rescue Plan boosted the ACA’s financial assistance, ensuring that nobody has to pay more than 8.5% of household income for insurance. This temporary measure was extended through 2025, resulting in significant savings for millions of Americans. The enhanced subsidies have led to record enrollment in the ACA marketplaces and made insurance more affordable for existing enrollees. However, if the subsidies expire, millions could face higher premium costs and lose coverage.
The fate of these increased subsidies will depend on the outcome of the 2024 election and the decisions made by the next administration. Biden has proposed making the assistance permanent, but the cost of the extra subsidies presents a challenge. Conservative critics argue that the subsidies are regressive and place a burden on the federal budget. The debate over health care policy reflects a fundamental divide between Democrats and Republicans on the role of government in guaranteeing access to health care.
Biden’s new ad is a gamble that most Americans support his vision for expanding access to affordable health care. The ad underscores the importance of the upcoming election and the potential consequences for millions of Americans if the ACA is repealed or the subsidies are not extended. Ultimately, the ad aims to educate voters on the critical issues at stake and to mobilize support for policies that prioritize affordable, accessible health care for all.
