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Trump says willing to keep parts of Obamacare

US President Barack Obama (R) shakes hands as he meets with Republican President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on November 10, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by AFP)

US President-elect Donald Trump says he will consider an "amended" version of Obamacare, an indication of possible compromise after repeatedly vowing on the campaign trail that he would repeal the measure.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal published Friday, Trump said he would consider leaving in place certain parts of the Affordable Care Act, which he previously described as unworkable and expensive that “you can’t use it.”

He said the reason for such a big shift was his meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House on Thursday.

Trump said that Obama suggested that areas of the measure be preserved, adding, “I told him I will look at his suggestions, and out of respect, I will do that.”

“Either Obamacare will be amended, or repealed and replaced,” he stated, adding he would preserve at least two provisions of the law.

He said that he liked keeping the prohibition against insurers who deny coverage due to patients’ existing conditions as well as a provision that lets parents provide years of additional coverage for children on their insurance policies.

“I like those very much,” Trump said.

In an address in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, on November 1, Trump said, “When we win on Nov. 8 and elect a Republican Congress, we will be able to immediately repeal and replace Obamacare. We have to do it.”

“I will ask Congress to convene a special session so we can repeal and replace,” he added.

Signed into law by Obama on March 23, 2010, Obamacare is a reformed law that was intended to expand and improve access to healthcare and reduce the cost of health insurance.

Opponents of Obamacare argue that it was unconstitutional for the federal government to subsidize insurance in states that rejected their own exchange for the federal system.

In October, 2015, the US House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation bill that was aimed at repealing parts of Obamacare and bringing to a halt federal funding for Planned Parenthood for one year. However, Obama vetoed the bill.


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