Trump signs executive order on variety of health care issues
President Trump yesterday signed an executive order on a number of health care issues, including protecting people with pre-existing medical conditions from insurance discrimination and ending surprise medical billing. The EO highlights various health care policies that have been put in place over the past four years and outlines a framework for Trump’s health care vision, organized by patient choice, lower costs and better care.
On pre-existing conditions, the EO does not identify a specific action to protect individuals but states that such protection is the policy of the U.S.
On ending surprise medical billing, the EO says that the Health and Human Services Secretary should work with Congress to reach a legislative solution by Dec. 31. If one is not enacted, the order directs the HHS Secretary to use administrative action to protect patients from such bills.
On transparency, it also directs the HHS Secretary to, within 180 days of the EO, update the Hospital Compare website with: whether a hospital is in compliance with the hospital price transparency final rule; whether, upon discharge, the hospital provides patients with a receipt that includes a list of itemized services received during a hospital stay; and how often a hospital pursues legal action against patients.
During a speech in North Carolina, Trump also said that 33 million Medicare beneficiaries soon will receive a card in the mail containing $200 that they can use to help pay for prescription drugs.