The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) has opened up opportunities for better medical care at a fraction of the cost. But now, opponents of healthcare reforms—people who want everyone to be on a singular government system—are using the government shutdown and false cries of “defunded Medicaid” to destroy the new options that the OBBB for families in need of assistance with healthcare.
The OBBB forces many states to reform how they handle Medicaid funds, but it is far more transformational than that. The OBBB expanded alternatives to traditional Medicaid and insurance by allowing individuals to have more options that are far better at a fraction of the cost.
What are these options? Here’s a look at some of them below:
- The OBBB expanded eligibility for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These are like 401K’s for healthcare and allow direct purchases that are often ¼ of the costs thru insurance for urgent care, x-rays, medication, and more. Overall, they help people save money on healthcare and avoid needing to use Medicaid.
- The OBBB also recognized Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinics and made them eligible for HSA funds. DPC clinics offer a reasonable monthly or yearly membership for practically unlimited access to a doctor, which helps people avoid unnecessary referrals, urgent care clinics, or the emergency room—all of which come with significant costs. Again, this helps people save money on healthcare and avoid needing to use Medicaid.
- Finally, eligibility for catastrophic plans was expanded beginning November 1st. These plans allow individuals to get cheaper plans that primarily cover major medical events. Combined with DPC, these plans would offer complete medical coverage for up to 50% less costs. This would help individuals, especially healthy young adults, save money on healthcare and avoid needing to use Medicaid.
These reforms allow alternatives to traditional higher cost plans for individuals and businesses who were previously forced into high cost and frustrating Obamacare plans or Medicaid. This is a huge boon for Texans and Americans—more options, less costs, better access.
There is a lot of rhetoric right now with the government shutdown. But, let us be clear: the proponents of government-healthcare are willing to shut the government down to deny Americans the options that the OBBB offers. We are at the beginning of a transformation in healthcare. Let us not go backwards.
