Donald Trump releases health-care proposals - Action News
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Donald Trump releases health-care proposals

U.S. Republican presidential front-runner candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled proposals for reforming U.S. health care that included repealing Obamacare, allowing prescription drugs to be imported, and turning the Medicaid program for the poor into block grants to states.

Among the proposals, Trump wants to lower barriers on imported prescription drugs

Republican U.S. presidential contender Donald Trump says he would repeal Obamacare if elected president. (Scott Audette/Reuters)

U.S. Republican presidential front-runner candidate Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled proposals for reforming U.S. health care that included repealing Obamacare, allowing prescription drugs to be imported, and turning the Medicaid program for the poor into block grants to states.

"On day one of the Trump Administration, we will ask Congress to immediately deliver a full repeal of Obamacare," reads thestatement from the Trump campaign.

"However, it is not enough to simply repeal this terrible legislation. We will work with Congress to make sure we have a series of reforms ready for implementation that follow free market principles and that will restore economic freedom and certainty to everyone in this country."

The plan also calls for the sale of health insurance plans across state lines, full deduction of health insurance premiums from income tax and adds: "We must also make sure that no one slips through the cracks simply because they cannot afford insurance."

Trump, who is the front-runner in the race to become the Republican nominee in November's presidential election, is also proposing allowing individuals to use Health Savings Accounts to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. Contributions to HSAs would be tax-free and could be passed on to heirs without any tax penalty.

The proposals include requiring " price transparency from all healthcare providers, especially doctors and healthcare organizations like clinics and hospitals. Individuals should be able to shop to find the best prices for procedures, exams or any other medical-related procedure."

On drug prices, Trump departs from standard Republican policy by calling for lowering barriers to cheaper imported pharmaceuticals.

"Allowing consumers access to imported, safe and dependable drugs from overseas will bring more options to consumers," the statement says, adding that "Congress will need the courage to step away from the special interests and do what is right for America."

The proposals also call for reforming mental health programs and institutions, but provides few details about how to do this.