Politics

Trump Administration Weakens Obamacare Waiver Guidelines For States

States can now apply for waivers to opt out of certain Affordable Care Act policies using the newly released guidelines.

Trump Administration Weakens Obamacare Waiver Guidelines For States
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The Trump administration is relaxing guidelines for states to opt out of Obamacare policies.

Under the new changes slated to be published Wednesday, states can apply for new expanded State Relief and Empowerment Waivers.

As CNN points out, states could use the waiver "to determine who gets financial assistance to pay premiums and to change what types of coverage are prioritized in the individual market."

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma says the move is a way "to get states out from under Obamacare's onerous rules."

But health policy experts warn the new guidance could make it easier for states to raise coverage rates for people with pre-existing conditions.

The updated guidelines kick in immediately and affect health plans starting in 2020.