Congressional Candidate Alexandria Butler Advocates Free Health Coverage for Children Through Trumpcare
Alexandria Butler Stands for Children's Health Insurance Through Trumpcare
In a significant announcement, Alexandria Butler, a congressional candidate from Houston, has declared her support for President Trump's American Health Care Act of 2017, commonly known as Trumpcare. Butler argues that this act is crucial in providing free health insurance coverage for children, presenting it as an accessible alternative to existing healthcare models like Obamacare. Unlike the income-based subsidies offered under Obamacare, Trumpcare provides age-based tax credits that are easier to manage and guarantee eligibility for all.
Butler specifically points to the high costs associated with job-based health insurance. She cites an example involving Rice University, which offers Aetna POS family insurance at a staggering cost of $4,053 per month, split between the employees and the employer. The implications of such premiums are dire, especially for families facing significant health challenges. For instance, when a family member becomes severely ill, the financial burden of premiums typically shifts entirely onto the individual, highlighting a systemic issue within the insurance industry.
One of the primary benefits of the Trumpcare model, according to Butler, includes a $2,000 subsidy available for individuals under 30 to purchase health insurance on the free market. She references Allstate's “child-only” insurance plans, affirming that under the Trumpcare structure, the full annual premium of $1,320 for Texas children would be covered. Importantly, any leftover subsidy would be directed into a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing families to use it for medical expenses or once again leverage its tax-free growth.
Furthermore, Butler elaborates on how families employed by the City of Houston could potentially realize substantial savings under Trumpcare. For example, a couple with three children would qualify for a $10,000 family subsidy, leading to significant reductions in their insurance costs.
“By utilizing Trumpcare, this family would eliminate their participation premiums entirely, receiving an extra $4,100 in their tax-free HSA,” Butler projects. She estimates these changes could generate savings of up to $16,100 per year per family, an enticing prospect for many families contemplating health insurance costs.
Butler also recognizes the bipartisan appeal of Trumpcare, suggesting that even Democratic voters might find the savings compelling and viable. In her view, it represents an opportunity for families across the spectrum to secure better coverage for lower costs. She further elaborates on her campaign's commitment to addressing healthcare issues, asserting that her Health Policy Team brings together some of the finest experts in the country, including Dr. Theresa Graham, a notable advocate for children's health and education.
However, Butler is keenly aware of the political landscape's challenges, voicing strong criticisms of certain Republican politicians, notably Texas Senator John Cornyn, whom she accuses of supporting legislation that could hinder cheap insurance options for families. She argues that the current trajectory of the Republican party deviates from its foundational ideals of providing freedom and choice in healthcare, labeling this as detrimental not just to families but also to the fundamental principles of affordable healthcare.
“Tax-free HSAs are a Texas gift to America. They're funding mechanisms that allow families to maximize their savings and avoid taxation,” explains Butler, emphasizing the financial advantages of these accounts.
As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen how Butler’s campaign will influence the healthcare debate in Texas and beyond. Yet, her strong advocacy for Trumpcare focusing on children's health could resonate with many voters seeking meaningful and financially sustainable solutions in healthcare. With her emphasis on family-centric health policies, Butler’s candidacy could indeed change the healthcare landscape, invoking a future where families can breathe easier regarding their medical expenses.
Butler's ultimate message resonates with many: “We cannot wait until we are sick to think about our health insurance. It must be a proactive measure that empowers families, not one that cripples them under the weight of excessive premiums.”