With Election Day approaching, the future of healthcare in the U.S. is at critical juncture. In 2023, 25 million Americans – close to 8% of the population – were uninsured, a significant decrease from the 49 million who lacked coverage at the time the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law. However, the next president's policies could determine whether these gains continue or reverse.

The Commonwealth Fund recently took a closer look at what’s at stake for health care coverage when Americans go to the polls on November 5th.

The Biden-Harris administration has focused on expanding coverage through enhanced ACA subsidies, Medicaid expansion, and limiting out-of-pocket costs for consumers. These measures have helped increase the number of insured Americans and made health coverage more affordable. If Kamala Harris is elected, these efforts will likely continue, including an extension of the pandemic-era subsidies that are set to expire in 2025.

On the other hand, Donald Trump’s previous administration aimed to reduce federal healthcare spending, repeal the ACA, and promote alternatives such as short-term health plans, which typically offer less comprehensive coverage. While aimed at increasing choice, actions such as reversing the protections enshrined in the ACA may also increase the uninsured rates and out-of-pocket expenses while re-imposing pre-existing condition denials.

Both candidates have different perspectives on addressing healthcare disparities and managing insurance costs. The outcome of the 2024 election will have a lasting impact on how millions of Americans access and pay for health care in the years to come.

As Medicare Open Enrollment begins today, October 15th, it’s crucial for Medicare-eligible Americans to make informed decisions about their health care coverage. One of the most important choices is between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage, each of which has its own pros and cons.



In 2025, several changes will make Medicare more affordable, including a new $2,000 per year cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D. This will be a relief for many seniors. Financial assistance for low-income beneficiaries is also expanding, and price negotiations for certain high-cost drugs could lower costs.

However, despite these changes, the decision between Traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage remains complex. Traditional Medicare offers flexibility, allowing you to see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, but it has no cap on out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare Advantage, offered by private insurers, bundles different types of services into one plan and may offer extra benefits like dental and vision care. However, it restricts your network of providers and often requires pre-authorization for various health care services.



Open Enrollment, which ends December 7th, is your chance to review your Medicare coverage options and choose what works best for your health care needs and budget. With upcoming changes to Medicare, staying informed is more important than ever. The Asclepius Initiative is here to help. Visit AsclepiusInitiative.org/Medicare for resources to help you navigate your choices and make the best decision for your health and finances.

Fall is also the time for Marketplace open enrollment, including kynect in Kentucky, starting November 1st. Employers may have their annual open enrollment around this time as well. Now is the time to review your options and ensure you are able to make the choice that best meets your needs. 

TAI provides free resources to help you understand and effectively use your coverage, compare plans, and navigate insurance terminology. Our tools can guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions and detect costly mistakes, such as billing or insurance reimbursement errors.

Get ahead of the process by visiting AsclepiusInitiative.org/toolkit to access these free resources. With the right information, you can confidently navigate your open or annual enrollment and choose the best coverage for your medical and financial needs. 

The Asclepius Initiative is also part of Kroger’s Community Rewards program. Select TAI as the charity of choice and a portion of the receipt will be donated to TAI each time the Kroger Plus Card is used. Signing up is quick and only has to be done once.

1. Go to KrogerCommunityRewards.com

2. Sign into using current login information or the number on the back of the card

3. Select TAI as the organization: search for us by name or by using our code, DG163

Help us continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date health care coverage information.