Trump's Healthcare Shift Sparks Debate

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to replace government health insurance subsidies with direct payments to consumers. This move comes amid rising healthcare costs and the expiration of COVID-era subsidies. Some experts express concern over the potential impact on lower-income Americans as open enrollment ends soon.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to shift healthcare funding from government insurance subsidies to direct payments to consumers. The proposal has sparked debate among experts and policymakers, with critics warning that it could negatively impact lower-income individuals.

Rising healthcare costs are already a concern for millions of Americans, exacerbated by the expiration of COVID-era tax credits provided under the Affordable Care Act. Trump's announcement comes as the open enrollment period for most health plans concludes.

While some support the move as a way to streamline healthcare payments and increase consumer choice, others caution that it could result in decreased coverage and increased out-of-pocket expenses for those who need assistance the most.

(With inputs from agencies.)