Biden reported to be reopening ACA marketplaces

President Joe R. Biden is expected to sign an executive order reopening federal insurance marketplaces offering health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.

According to a report from The Washington Post, Biden could take executive action as soon as Thursday to reopen the marketplaces for at least a few months in an effort to help Americans become insured during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The report also mentions actions aimed at reversing Medicaid changes enacted by the previous administration, but details are scant as to what form that may take.

Prior to taking office, Biden’s plans included building on and strengthening the ACA, which is unsurprising considering his role in its passage during the Obama administration. He plans to expand coverage to an estimated 97 percent of the country by creating a public option similar to Medicare with a premium-free element for low-income Americans and increasing subsidies to offset health insurance costs.