What is the story about?
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Congress Thursday to quickly turn his latest health care proposal into law, describing it as a major step toward giving
Americans immediate relief from high medical costs. In a video message released by the White House, the president introduced what he called “The Great Healthcare Plan.” He pressed lawmakers to act without delay, saying the changes are needed right now to help everyday people. The plan focuses on several key areas. It would turn some of the voluntary agreements Trump has already reached with drug companies into permanent law, locking in lower prices for certain medicines.
It also pushes to make more prescription drugs available without a doctor’s note, so people can buy them directly over the counter. Another big piece involves changing how government help for health insurance works. Instead of sending billions of dollars in subsidies straight to insurance companies to bring premiums down, the proposal would send that money directly to consumers.
Trump's proposal targets middlemen
Trump’s team argues this would give people more control and better choices when shopping for coverage. The outline takes direct aim at prescription drug middlemen, the large companies that act as go-betweens in the drug supply chain. Trump’s plan promises to stop what it calls “kickbacks” that these middlemen receive, claiming those payments secretly drive up costs for insurance and medicines.Insurance companies will have to explain why a claim was denied
Transparency is another major goal. The proposal would force insurance companies to be much more open about their decisions. They would have to explain clearly why they deny claims, how long people wait for routine care, and exactly what prices they charge.Read more: 'Pay Your Own Way': Trump's New Ultimatum to Microsoft Makes Its Stocks Slide - What Did He Say?
The White House wants all this information written in simple, everyday language, what the plan calls “Plain English”, so regular Americans can understand their options more easily. Hospitals and doctors who take Medicare or Medicaid patients would also be required to post their prices and fees clearly and in an easy-to-find spot.
