Editorial: Trump must reopen Obamacare enrollment for jobless

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

By The Herald Editorial Board

It’s not that Congress and the Trump administration have not been responsive to the needs of those who have lost their jobs or have seen their hours cut back during the coronavirus outbreak; major provisions in the recently adopted $2 trillion financial rescue package included $1,200 payments to individuals and a $500 child tax credit, as well as a welcome boost in unemployment benefits, $600 a week through the end of July.

But for many of the millions who have lost work — and their health insurance benefits — because of stay-at-home orders necessary to quell the spread of COVID-19, much of that aid is likely to be eaten up by additional out-of-pocket medical care costs or higher premiums for health insurance, without an employer’s contributions. And while most can purchase their own plans even after enrollment periods have closed, they must show proof they have lost medical coverage, an added step for an already time-consuming process.

Additionally, the Trump administration recently pledged to extend Medicare payments for those who are uninsured and need treatment for COVID-19; drawing from $100 billion allocated for health care providers as part of the larger economic package.

The problem, however, for hospitals and other health care providers may be in separating a coronavirus infection from a patient’s underlying health issues.

-snip-

And coverage for COVID-19 health issues also doesn’t provide any assistance for those who have lost work and now have to pay for family doctor appointments, medications and other care that are unrelated to the outbreak. With at least 8.7 million Americans filing for unemployment benefits during the last two weeks, an estimated 3.5 million of those have likely lost their employer-provided health insurance, the Economic Policy Institute reported last week.

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-trump-must-reopen-obamacare-enrollment-for-jobless/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=a4fd9d8a61-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-a4fd9d8a61-228635337

Good idea which is why Trump won't do it.

[Hoyt]

1. No need. Lose your job and insurance, you can sign with ACAimmediately.

We don’t have to depend on trump. And, some states are expanding Medicaid to help.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Here's my take on why Trump and his WH won't re-open ACA/Obamacare at this time.

They have a USSC case coming up to delete the entire law.

If they re-open enrollment, their adversaries (pro-ACA) will argue to the Court that Trump & Co recognize the necessity and importance of the ACA, thereby invalidating Trump's argument that it's unconstitutional and should be invalidated. IOW, it would prove Trump to be a hypocrite (again).

[Indykatie]

3. Folks Need To Clarify That Those Who Lose Insurance Can Enrol Now For Obamacare W/O A Rule Change

Every OP-Ed or article I have read lumps those losing insurance because of CV-19 in with those who lost jobs but didn't have insurance while they were employed. Any change in the Obamacare enrollment rule helps those who opted NOT to enrol in Obamacare or other insurance when they had the chance during the annual open enrollment period. Since the GOP killed the mandated coverage rule I'm sure these numbers are higher than in past years.

[FiveGoodMen]

4. If anything good is ever going to happen again ... remove Trump first.

Till then, we're screwed.

And after that, there are still 100,000,000 Nazis to fight.