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Heading into the
Oval Office shortly after the conclusion of his inaugural
parade, Trump signed an order on the Affordable Care Act that
urged government departments to "waive, defer, grant exemptions
from, or delay the implementation" of provisions that imposed
fiscal burdens on states, companies or individuals.
It also called for efforts to give states greater flexibility in
implementing healthcare programs while developing "a free and
open market in interstate commerce for the offering of
healthcare services and health insurance."
Health experts had speculated that Trump could expand exemptions
from the so-called individual mandate, which requires Americans
to carry insurance or face a penalty, or the requirement that
employers offer coverage.
Experts also believe the administration could try to reduce the
“essential benefits,” such as maternity care and mental health
services, that insurance plans must cover.
The White House did not provide further details about the
executive order.
Trump's spokesman Sean Spicer said the White House also directed
an immediate regulatory freeze for all government agencies in a
memo from Trump's chief of staff, Reince Priebus. He did not
offer details.
Repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, one of former
President Barack Obama's signature laws, was a central pledge
for Trump during the presidential election campaign. Republicans
in the U.S. Congress have not yet laid out a plan to recast the
insurance program.
In a hastily arranged ceremony, surrounded by some of his aides,
Trump sat behind the presidential Resolute Desk and signed the
order. He also signed commissions for his newly confirmed
defense secretary, James Mattis, and his homeland security
secretary, John Kelly.
Trump spoke briefly about his day with reporters. "It was busy,
but good. It was a beautiful day," he said.
Vice President Mike Pence then swore in Mattis and Kelly in a
separate ceremony.
There were other signs of change in the Oval Office, which Obama
vacated on Friday morning. Golden drapes hung where crimson ones
had earlier in the day and new furniture dotted the room.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason and Roberta Rampton; Editing by
Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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