Updated September 25th, 2020 at 05:13 IST

Trump signs exec. order on preexisting conditions

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on preexisting medical conditions Thursday, amid a global pandemic and growing uncertainty about the future of protections guaranteed by the Obama-era health law his administration is still trying to overturn.

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President Donald Trump signed an executive order on preexisting medical conditions Thursday, amid a global pandemic and growing uncertainty about the future of protections guaranteed by the Obama-era health law his administration is still trying to overturn.

In a visit to swing state North Carolina, the president sketched out a "vision" for quality health care at affordable prices, with lower prescription drug costs, more consumer choice and greater transparency.

Trump said the executive order signed Thursday declares it the policy of the U.S. government to protect people with preexisting conditions, even if the Affordable Care Act - or "Obamacare" is declared unconstitutional, as Trump has been pushing for.

"We're making that official," Trump said. "This is affirmed, signed and done."

However, such protections are already the law and Trump would have to go to Congress to cement a new policy.

Trump also announced that his administration will be sending cards in the mail containing $200 to 33-million Medicare beneficiaries that they can use to help pay for their prescription drugs.

"These cards are incredible," Trump said, adding they will be "mailed out in coming weeks."

"I will always take care of our wonderful senior citizens. Joe Biden won't be doing this," he said.

 

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Published September 25th, 2020 at 05:13 IST