Trump's New Obamacare Rules Give States More Power. Will They Take It?

The new rules are designed to reduce premiums, but health policy experts say they will have little effect.

In its latest health care move this week, the Trump administration is offering states the power to loosen federal regulations for health insurance plans sold on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.

The 523-page final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services allows states to develop their own version of essential health benefits, starting in 2020. State officials will still have to offer the 10 essential health benefits established by the ACA -- including coverage for maternity care and mental health services -- but they’ll be able to pick and choose new benchmarks -- such as fewer covered doctors visits or prescription drugs -- for those services.

Under the current rules adopted by the Obama administration, states have one benchmark plan that defines how essential health benefits are covered in every plan.

More