'Obamacare' mandate repeal would remake market for consumers

‘Obamacare’ mandate repeal would remake market for consumers

Sen. Pat Toomey, center, joined by, from left, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., talks about the Senate Finance Committee’s work on overhauling the nation’s tax code. | AP Photo

WASHINGTON — Millions are expected to forgo coverage if Congress repeals the unpopular requirement that Americans get health insurance, boosting premiums for others.

Just as important, the drive by Senate Republicans to undo the coverage requirement under former President Barack Obama’s health care law fits neatly with the Trump administration’s effort to write new regulations allowing for skimpier plans with limited benefits and lower premiums.

Put the two together and the marketplace for about 18 million people buying their own health insurance may look very different in a few years.

Consumers would have layers of new options with different pluses and minuses. They’d notice a shift away from the “Obamacare” requirement that health plans cover a broad set of “essential” benefits.

New winners and losers would emerge.

RELATED: ‘Obamacare’ sign-ups about 45% ahead of last year’s pace

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