How Great Is the Great Healthcare Plan?

 On December 19, 2025, the Trump administration proposed a new plan called The Great Healthcare Plan, aimed at addressing the affordability crisis in healthcare and health insurance in the United States. The proposal comes as part of the administration's strategy for the 2026 midterm elections, emphasizing healthcare as a key issue.

1. Economic Context

• The Trump administration highlights achievements such as falling gas prices and reduced rent in major cities, asserting these demonstrate effective economic policies.

• However, affordability issues primarily stem from rising costs in various types of insurance, including health insurance.

2. The Current State of Insurance

• Car and home insurance rates are stabilizing but are not yet declining, with premiums expected to rise modestly.

• Health insurance remains a significant concern, with the failure to repeal Obamacare contributing to high costs.

3. Objectives of The Great Healthcare Plan

• The plan aims to lower drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, hold insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency.

4. Lowering Drug Prices

• It proposes measures to ensure Americans pay similar drug prices to those in other countries, building on previous actions to reduce insulin costs.

• Further, it aims to make certain safe pharmaceuticals available over-the-counter to increase consumer choice and reduce healthcare visits.

5. Lowering Insurance Premiums

• The plan suggests redirecting taxpayer-funded subsidies from insurance companies directly to individuals for purchasing insurance of their choice.

• It aims to implement a cost-sharing program that will reduce common Obamacare premiums significantly.

6. Accountability for Insurance Companies

• The healthcare plan introduces a "Plain English" standard, requiring insurance companies to clearly disclose their profits, coverage comparisons, and claim rejection rates.

• This transparency is designed to make it easier for consumers to understand and evaluate insurance options.

7. Maximizing Price Transparency

• The plan mandates that any healthcare provider accepting Medicare or Medicaid publicly display prices for their services.

• Previous regulations for price transparency under the Trump administration have not been enforced adequately.

8. Political Implications

• The administration hopes the plan will resonate with voters and challenges Democrats to oppose policies aimed at reducing costs for Americans.

• There’s skepticism about whether the bill will overcome Senate filibusters, with discussions on the need to strengthen the proposal before it might gain traction.

The Great Healthcare Plan is presented as a comprehensive approach to tackle pressing healthcare affordability issues in the U. S. While it outlines significant reforms aimed at drug pricing, insurance premiums, and transparency, the actual implementation remains uncertain due to political hurdles. It is seen as a strategic move for the Trump administration as it prepares for upcoming elections, and its success may depend on gaining broader support against anticipated opposition. The question of whether the GOP will take bold steps, such as eliminating the filibuster, looms over the potential impact of this proposal. 

https://spectator.org/how-great-is-the-great-healthcare-plan/