Machiavelli said “whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times” and that’s exactly what the President-Elect appears to be demonstrating through his reconsideration of certain terms of so-called Obamacare. In the world of politics, Donald Trump’s willingness to consider keeping at least two key aspects of President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act may seem like an epic flip flop. It is not. It is a small sign that the inflexible personality he demonstrated while campaigning may not be all there is to him; that perhaps his interest in making America great is genuine and not bound by party interests.

Having said that, consideration of the ban on insurers denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and the provision allowing children to stay on their parent’s plan until 26 are only two of the four requirements that should be maintained.  President-Elect Trump should also consider retaining the provision that makes dollar limits illegal on essential health benefits and the mandate preventing yearly out-of-pocket maximum expenses of more than $7,150 for an individual and $14,300 for a family. Certainly, I believe that more money in the pocket of taxpaying Americans, who would otherwise shell it out for medical care, would stimulate the economy. Saving these two measures also help to accomplish that by lessening the financial burdens on citizens. 

Surely if President-Elect Trump can understand the need to cut taxes for businesses to spark hiring, to give small businesses a break by not requiring them to provide Obamacare to help them succeed, and the need for tax cuts for the wealthy and everyone else to stimulate the economy, he can see why leaving more money in the pockets of average American is an equally a brilliant idea. After all, citizens will still have to pay for whatever healthcare plan he develops. Where will that money come from without the yearly cap? And, what options will consumers have once they fall ill without the no limit lifetime guarantee? 

Over the last few days I’ve looked at the photo of the grippy socks, gowns, and x-Ray shorts I’ve been given at hospital and doctor’s office visits the last few years. The mound reminds me how much money I’ve spent to save my life. And, it also motivates me not to easily give up the fight to keep the medical provisions I need to survive.  

Now I don’t know whether, at the end of his contemplation, President-Elect Trump will break from his party and ultimately leave key parts of so-called Obamacare alone. I hope so. I also pray he will reconsider other campaign promises; that he will re-examine the logistics and costs of them to Americans. If he does that may make him less popular with his base but it will show that he is a leader who relies on his judgment and not politics to determine the best path forward for all.

I honestly can’t say I know what’s in Donald J. Trump’s heart and mind but I know that like Mark Twain said, “Action speaks louder than words.” I am anxiously waiting to see what action our new President will take. 

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