WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews)— President Trump announced plans to convene executives from major health insurance companies in the coming weeks, aiming to pressure them into significantly reducing premiums amid rising costs for millions of Americans following the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies.
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Speaking at the White House on Friday during an event announcing drug pricing agreements with pharmaceutical companies, Trump criticized insurers for excessive profits and outlined a direct approach to lowering healthcare expenses.
“Insurance companies are making far more than they’re entitled to make,” Trump said. “I want to meet … I want to say, your rates have to come way down!”
The president presented two options for the insurers: dramatically lower rates while continuing to receive direct payments, or redirect funds straight to consumers, allowing Americans to shop for their own insurance plans.
Trump’s remarks come as enhanced ACA subsidies, expanded during the COVID-19 era, expired on Dec. 31 without congressional action to extend them. Analysts project that the lapse could lead to sharp premium increases for over 20 million enrollees in the ACA marketplaces starting in 2026.
The proposed meeting could take place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during the holidays or in Washington in early January, according to statements from the president.
Industry representatives pushed back on Trump’s characterization. America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), a trade group, stated that premiums reflect underlying medical costs and that insurers’ margins are regulated.
“Health plans are doing everything in their power to shield Americans from the high and rising costs of medical care,” AHIP CEO Mike Tuffin said in a statement.
Trump’s push follows similar negotiations with drugmakers, where he secured commitments for lower prices on certain medications. The president has previously indicated he does not plan a comprehensive overhaul of the ACA, suggesting market forces could reduce participation naturally.
Democratic leaders have criticized the subsidy expiration as a consequence of Republican policies, warning of widespread coverage losses. No immediate response from congressional Democrats was available following Trump’s latest comments.
GOP has tried to kill the Affordable Care Act since Trump 1. 30 million+ Americans have Health Insurance with ACA. And Trump’s replacement for ACA? NOTHING.
This is such a silly myth to say that it’s just the insurance companies. Really there is waste at every end. 1) the slew of tests ran. Often it’s ran 5 times by every new department or dr vs sharing cat scans of what’s already ran.
2) mental health is too undefined. Who really needs it ? For how long ? What’s the cure? How effective is the cure ? Similarly to much ot and pt and wasteful Aba
3) long term care provided by Medicaid is expensive