Trump Unveils 2026 "Great Healthcare Plan" – Experts Sound Alarm

President Donald Trump has rolled out his Great Healthcare Plan, proposing direct cash payments to households to cover healthcare costs.

The White House is pushing Congress to pass it quickly, alongside efforts to cut drug prices and insurance premiums. Trump calls it a way to give Americans more control over their care.​

But health policy experts are alarmed, warning it could backfire.​

 

Why Critics Say It's Risky

1. Direct Cash ≠ Insurance Subsidies
Gerard Anderson (Johns Hopkins): "Direct payments won't match current insurance subsidies. People may drop coverage, leaving sicker pools and higher premiums for everyone."​

2. People Won't Spend on Insurance
Nick Fabrizio (Cornell): "Give people cash, and they'll buy other things unless it's a voucher with guardrails." Price transparency helps, but won't offset coverage losses.​

3. Bad Timing – ACA Subsidies Just Expired
Enhanced ACA marketplace subsidies ended Dec 31, 2025. KFF warns premiums could double ($888 to $1,904 average) for subsidized enrollees in 2026.​

 

Trump's Plan vs. Current Reality

Key Differences:

• Payment Type

  • Trump's Plan: Direct cash to households

  • Current ACA: Premium subsidies

  • Expert Concern: Cash spent elsewhere (not on insurance)

• ACA Eligible?

  • Trump's Plan: Yes + non-marketplace customers

  • Current ACA: Marketplace only

  • Expert Concern: Won't pay premiums directly

• HSA Use

  • Trump's Plan: Wants to expand HSAs

  • Current ACA: High-deductible plans only

  • Expert Concern: Still can't pay premiums

• Premium Impact

  • Trump's Plan: Claims lower premiums (10–15% via CSR funding)

  • Current ACA: Subsidies expired (Dec 2025)

  • Expert Concern: Likely higher premiums

 

What's Next?

• Congress must act before ACA enrollment (Nov 1, 2026).

• Details missing: Payment amounts, eligibility, voucher rules.​

• Timing critical: Millions face premium hikes without action.​

Bottom line: Trump wants cash in your pocket. Experts warn it could cost you more. Watch for Congressional hearings in early 2026.

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