Joe Biden reopens 'Obamacare' markets for people in need amidst pandemic

Joe Biden is a week into his presidency and he is already at work in fulfilling the commitments he has made during his campaign. This time, after strengthening the Affordable Care Act, Biden plans to reopen its market for people that need coverage at this time.

Two people familiar with the matter have revealed that Biden is set to sign an executive order on Thursday to reopen the Healthcare.gov markets for Americans who need coverage in the midst of the pandemic. The details regarding the executive order have yet to be finalized but the new enrollment would not be implemented right away so as to give the Department of Health & Human Services time to establish a marketing campaign and for insurers to prepare to receive an influx of enrollments.

In doing so, Medicaid enrollments will likely increase as people who qualify are immediately referred.

The Affordable Care Act was one that Donald Trump and his administration attempted to limit or repeal entirely during his term but has so far been unsuccessful. Their final challenge to repeal the act rests in the Supreme Court, which is expected to have a verdict this year. It should be noted that the Trump administration did not introduce a healthcare plan in place of the ACA.

The law, established during Barack Obama’s administration, covers over 23 million people via a mix of subsidized insurance that is sold nationwide along with an expanded Medicaid that is sold in 38 states except those in the south. The coverage is available to people who do not have healthcare benefits from their jobs and the expansion of Medicaid is for those who have low incomes.

Meanwhile, Biden and the White House released a statement honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Biden noted the 2017 Charlottesville protests by white supremacists to the horrific events during the second world war that killed millions of Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators.

“When hatred goes unchecked, and when the checks and balances in government and society that protect fundamental freedoms are lost, violence and mass atrocities can result. The United States will continue to champion justice for Holocaust survivors and their heirs. We are committed to helping build a world in which the lessons of the Holocaust are taught and in which all human lives are valued.”