Yes, Donald Trump is president of the United States of America and yes, he is the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces. And yes, he immediately went to work, in lock-step with Congress, dismantling healthcare programs. Massive demonstrations here in Minnesota, across the country, and around the world did nothing to dissuade him or Congress from pursuing a course of action that may well prove to be detrimental to the health and well-being of many families in this country.

As one of his first acts as president, Mr. Trump signed the “MINIMIZING THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF THE PATIENT PROTECTION AND AFFORDABLE CARE ACT PENDING REPEAL” executive order on January 20, 2017.

In this executive order, Mr. Trump clearly states his intention to repeal the Affordable Care Act. There is no mention of a replacement plan.

Per section 2 of the order, governmental agencies may, at their discretion, deny services authorized by the Act. Some of the agencies that provide healthcare services are Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, Indian Health Services and others.

“Sec. 2. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary) and the heads of all other executive departments and agencies (agencies) with authorities and responsibilities under the Act shall exercise all authority and discretion available to them to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay the implementation of any provision or requirement of the Act that would impose a fiscal burden on any State or a cost, fee, tax, penalty, or regulatory burden on individuals, families, healthcare providers, health insurers, patients, recipients of healthcare services, purchasers of health insurance, or makers of medical devices, products, or medications.”

In the most extreme scenario, all healthcare services presently authorized by the Act could be summarily halted. Imagine the impact this would have on women, men, and children across the country! More likely, there will be an erosion of services over a period of time as classes of conditions and/or groups of people are excluded.

This action by Mr. Trump is a danger to the health and welfare of many women and families in the United States.

The President and Members of Congress all have great healthcare plans totally paid for by us, the taxpayers. Apparently, the rest of us aren’t entitled to economical healthcare and prescription medications.

Contact your representatives and let them know that we all deserve access to high-quality, affordable healthcare.