Evolving Approaches to Healthcare Reform under the Trump Administration

Abstract

Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have been removed under the Trump Administration, which has negatively impacted access to healthcare for low-income populations. The Medicaid expansion outlined by the ACA proves to extend care to populations under the poverty line, and the primary barriers to expanding coverage stem from political disagreements at the state and national level rather than economic concerns. This thesis will analyze the primary issues preventing further Medicaid expansion past the levels outlined in the ACA both nationwide and in the state of Nevada, as well as illustrate the detrimental effects of restricting coverage for low-income populations. The information will ultimately be synthesized into a policy proposal of a Medicaid Buy-In option that will expand coverage without greatly increasing costs to the state.