Healthcare Trend #4: The Trump Presidency Will Rock the Healthcare Boat

In the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, Americans anxiously await President-elect Trump’s cabinet appointments and what they portend for the future of healthcare. While it is impossible to know with clarity the magnitude of the changes to come, it is evident that change is on its way. And while that change will rock the healthcare boat, we don't believe that it will tip the boat over.

The ACA Will See Modifications Rather than Total Repeal 

While immediate repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was Donald Trump's campaign promise, that is not likely to happen.

“Dismantling the entire structure of the ACA, ‘root and branch,’ would be difficult.”

- Beth Halpern, Partner at Hogan Lovel, as interviewed by Fierce Healthcare

For one, a total repeal of the ACA would undoubtedly face a Senate filibuster, where Democrats currently have enough votes to stop it. In addition, there are aspects of the ACA that have appeal across both political parties. The provision that prevents insurance companies from denying coverage because of preexisting conditions has bipartisan support, as does the provision that allows parents to insure their children until age 26.

Moreover, there are practical reasons that repeal will not happen overnight. It took many years for providers, payers, and others throughout the healthcare ecosystem to implement ACA and Meaningful Use requirements; enacting any material changes and unwinding what has already been implemented will require significant time as well.

How might the election results have a major impact on the future of healthcare? Learn how this prediction unfolds in our white paper.

And stay tuned for the final Trend #5: Adoption of Auto-Adjudication will Accelerate on the PokitBlog next week.