While most of the discussion on repeal of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) focuses on loss of coverage by 22.5 million people covered through state exchanges and Medicaid expansion, what is not discussed as much is that most other Americans, such as those who have employer-based coverage or Medicare, will also be significantly impacted.
For those with employer coverage, repeal will mean a return to annual and lifetime caps on coverage that were prohibited under Obamacare; high out-of-pocket expenses, since there will no longer be a requirement to cap those; and costly deductibles and co-payments for preventive care, such as for cancer screenings and vaccinations.
Employer plans will no longer be required to cover dependents up to age 26. Americans 65 and older receiving Medicare will face increased premiums for Medicare Advantage plans, much higher costs for prescription drugs (since repeal will remove provisions for closing the “doughnut hole”), and higher costs for preventive services.
Maine’s representatives in Washington, D.C., must find a different route than repealing the ACA. Meanwhile, I hope others will join me in making our voices heard.
Sandy Doctoroff, Auburn
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