Trending News Today: ACA Repeal May Raise Premiums for Women

David J. Shulkin, MD, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, told the Senate yesterday that he would not privatize veterans’ healthcare, but reform it instead. This promise directly contradicted Trump’s position to allow these individuals to enroll in private health plans, according to The New York Times. Previously, Dr Shulkin served as the Under Secretary for the department, and has lead several private healthcare systems.

After 2 days of protest from Democrats, Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee bypassed a rule that requires at least 1 Democrat to be present to conduct business, The New York Times reported. GOP lawmakers then went ahead and confirmed Rep Tom Price (R-MI) as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Steven Mnuchin as the secretary of the Treasury. It is likely that the nominees will also be confirmed by the Senate due to the Republican majority.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may have significant consequences for women. The impending repeal would likely raise premiums for women, and return to pre-ACA gaps in coverage for contraceptive and breast pumps. Additionally, new mothers may not have access to comprehensive maternity and newborn care that was added as a required benefit under the health law, according to The New York Times.