Religious believers in the United States are facing a relentless attack from government forces seeking to erode their conscience rights in healthcare. The Biden administration’s recent amendment to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act requires people of faith to fund elective abortions and transgender surgeries through their health insurance, leaving them with no option but to withdraw from their insurance providers or violate their deeply held beliefs.
Former president Donald Trump’s health care priorities for a potential second term remain unclear, but there are indications that he would focus on reforming drug pricing policies and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) markets. While Trump has wavered on abortion bans and the repeal of the ACA, he has consistently expressed interest in finding ways to lower drug costs. If elected, Trump could tailor Medicare’s drug pricing plan to his own approach, potentially resurrecting efforts to base certain American drug prices on lower prices in peer countries. However, Republicans may face resistance in repealing the drug pricing negotiation plan passed in the Inflation Reduction Act, making it more likely that Trump would pursue incremental reforms. Trump has also signaled a willingness to make changes to the ACA, but has avoided outright repeal due to its popularity with voters. Instead, he may opt for more modest reforms, such as promoting alternative insurance options and rolling back premium tax credits.
