Four Ways Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Undermine Access to Obamacare 

There are over 24 million people covered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is expected to undergo significant changes, potentially impacting how, when, and at what cost individuals can enroll in or maintain their coverage. These changes stem from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a piece of legislation passed by the House and now under review in the Senate. The following are the four key ways these changes could affect access to ACA plans:  

1. More Enrollment Paperwork 

Presently, over 90% of ACA enrollees are benefiting from tax credits, lowering their monthly premiums. However, according to the new bill, enrollees would now be required to submit detailed information every year, which includes income and household size. As a result, this could lead to delays, putting coverage out of reach for some families, especially if they fail to provide the required information. With automatic reenrollment out of the picture, many consumers may find themselves underinsured due to the added burden. 

2. Delays for Life Changes 

Individuals experiencing life changes, such as marriage or having a baby, can still apply for ACA coverage with tax credits while their information is being verified. However, the proposed bill would require full documentation before receiving subsidies, ending provisional eligibility. This could result in delays, especially for parents with newborns who are waiting for Social Security numbers, and are exposed to the risk of higher out-of-pocket costs. 

3. Shorter Enrollment Period 

Additionally, the bill proposes shortening the open enrollment period for ACA coverage. Where it originally begins on November 1, the enrollment window would close earlier, on December 15. Furthermore, the special enrollment period, which previously existed for lower-income individuals, will be eliminated. As a result, this change would make it increasingly difficult for people to sign up for coverage, especially for those who miss the shorter deadline. 

4. Higher Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Costs 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced tax credits were introduced and helped many to afford coverage. However, this, too, is set to expire at the end of the year. Once the House bill passes, these subsidies will not be extended. Consequently, premiums could rise by an average of 75%, resulting in millions using their insurance by the year 2034. Many households will also face sharp increases in their premiums, making healthcare less accessible and affordable for many.  

What’s at Stake 

The changes being proposed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” will likely have a devastating impact on access to affordable healthcare for millions of Americans. As per the critics, the bill can possibly drive up costs, create plenty of barriers to coverage, and leave millions in despair without access to affordable healthcare. As this bill is in the works, it is essential to consider the many changes that will affect individuals who rely on the ACA for their health coverage.