The 15th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is approaching – and once again, Republicans are attacking health care.  

For years, the strategy was “repeal and replace.” But instead of a high-profile appeal, Republicans are now quietly gutting the ACA piece by piece, with no plan to replace it. Their strategy has changed, but the goal has remained the same – taking health care away from millions.  

Community Catalyst’s latest blog, From Repeal to Ruin: The New Strategy to Undermine the ACA, breaks down how Republicans are sabotaging the ACA.  

“Fifteen years after the ACA became law, Trump and his allies are still trying to dismantle it – this time, piece by piece, under the radar. From slashing Medicaid to gutting enrollment programs and letting health care costs skyrocket, their plan is clear: strip coverage, hike prices, and push millions deeper into medical debt,” said Mona Shah, Senior Director of Policy and Strategy at Community Catalyst.   

“If they succeed, the most vulnerable – kids, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families – will pay the steepest price. No one should have to choose between lifesaving care and putting food on the table, but that’s exactly what Trump’s health care agenda will force. We cannot let them drag us backward – we need leaders who will expand access to care, not destroy it.”

The ACA provides affordable health care for millions, including people like:   
  • Matthew, who received treatment for substance use disorder and serious health issues through Medicaid while incarcerated. This access saved his life, curing his illness and helping him heal both mentally and physically. Matthew credits Medicaid for how he contributes to his community today. He is currently a Vice President at TASC, Inc. (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities) as well as a proud father and homeowner.  
  • Jason, a freelance illustrator, who relies on ACA tax credits to afford health insurance and treatment after a cancer diagnosis. If the tax credits aren’t extended, David might have to drop his insurance, leaving him without critical coverage if he gets sick.  
  • Felicia, who struggled for years to afford coverage for her children before the Biden administration fixed the glitch that kept her family and others from being eligible for ACA tax credits. Now, that progress is under threat. If Trump and Republicans succeed, families like Felicia’s will be right back where they started – facing skyrocketing premiums and an unfair system that puts profits over people. 

You can see the full blog post from Mona Shah, Community Catalyst’s Senior Director of Policy and Strategy here. If you would like to speak with someone at Community Catalyst, please contact Jack Cardinal at jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org.