Trump says he is going to make healthcare “for the people” versus “big insurance"

On Saturday, President Trump urged Senate Republicans to redirect federal money currently going to insurance companies under the Affordable Care Act and instead send it straight to Americans so they can buy their own health plans.

“Rather than pouring hundreds of billions into insurance companies to prop up ObamaCare, send that money to the people so they can choose better coverage themselves — and have money left over,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He argued the funds should be taken from “big insurance companies” and said eliminating ObamaCare would eliminate what he called the “worst health care in the world.”

Trump again pressed Republicans to end the Senate filibuster, saying Democrats are “destroying the economy” and insisting that ending the 60-vote rule is the key to Republican victories. He also blamed GOP election losses on party leaders who refused to eliminate the rule. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Republicans should scrap the filibuster before Democrats do: “If we do it, we won’t lose elections — we’ll deliver so much that it would be impossible.”

Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act plans began this month without enhanced subsidies, making insurance more expensive for many lower-income households. Republicans have criticized the ACA and proposed replacing it with a new health system.

In the Senate, Republicans have blocked progress on a House-passed temporary funding bill 14 times, as Democrats insist the measure must include an extension of the expiring ACA subsidies. Because of the filibuster rule, 60 votes are needed to advance legislation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer proposed a compromise Friday to end the shutdown: a short-term funding bill, a one-year extension of ACA tax credits, and several bipartisan spending bills. “We need to fix the health care issue,” Schumer said, “but Republicans say they won’t negotiate until the government reopens. This plan respects both positions.”