Illinois Hospitals: Don’t Repeal Obamacare Without Immediate Replacement
Literature on enrollment in the nation's health care law at Champaign County Health Care Consumers' office in downtown Champaign. Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to repeal the federal law known as Obamacare. A group representing Illinois hospitals is warning that doing so without a replacement plan could have dire consequences. The Illinois Hospital Association says about 1-million people have gained health coverage through the Affordable Care Act.
That's 1-million people who would be at risk of losing coverage without a replacement plan.
Hospital Association President A.J. Wilhelmi says there would be a return to seeking treatment in emergency rooms.
Yes, people would still be getting some level of health care. But, Wilhelmi says, "there is a cost that certainly impacts employers and individuals through their insurance plans."
That's because without broader coverage, the people who have insurance end up subsidizing those who don't.
In addition to the human cost, Wilhelmi estimates there could be an $11-billion hit to the state's economy as hospitals lay off staff, reduce services and halt construction projects.
Links
- What To Expect For Obamacare Enrollment In 2017
- Illinois Rates Under Obamacare To Jump 40-50%
- Higher Costs, Fewer Options Expected For Obamacare; Concerns Over Bats In Illinois
- Supreme Court Rules Obamacare Subsidies Are Legal
- The “Chevron Deference” and the Obamacare Challenge
- Boehner Says Rolling Back Obamacare Is GOP Priority
- Open Enrollment Period For Health Care Ends Sunday
- Illinois Reaction, Pro & Con To Supreme Court Healthcare Ruling
- Another Health Care Deadline Approaching