False claim that Biden's executive order gives Americans free health insurance

Biden doesn't have the power to offer free health insurance

In 2021, Biden signed Executive Order 14009. This will strengthen Medicaid, the public health insurance program, and the Affordable Care Act, a federal law aimed at making health insurance affordable for low-income Americans. is intended for

Contrary to the Washington Post's claims, the executive order does not give Americans free health insurance, according to Lawrence Gostin, a professor of international health law at Georgetown University.

"It's not really the prerogative of the president to provide health insurance to all Americans," Gostin said. "That's what Congress does. His orders are aimed solely at maximizing coverage under applicable law, both under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid."

The order calls on agency leaders to review policies and practices that "may create unnecessary barriers for individuals and families" to access Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. . The order does not contain any mention of free health insurance coverage.

Fact check:

False claims that President Biden's executive order calls for renunciation of human rights and ties to transhumanism.

A Facebook video also doesn't support the allegations, showing Biden signing an executive order and other policies related to issues such as immigration and his COVID-19 pandemic on Jan. 20, 2021. Medicaid eligibility varies by state. Additionally, your level of income determines the types of grants you are eligible for under the Affordable Care Act.

USA TODAY misinterprets Biden's executive order, including Executive Order 14081 declaring that all Americans must renounce their human rights and Executive Order 14067 introducing cashless digital currency debunked other claims made.

Executive Order 14009, which Biden signed eight days later, called on agencies to examine policies or practices that could affect the protection of people with pre-existing conditions or create "unnecessary barriers to individuals and families attempting to access Medicaid or ACA coverage."

Shore-Sheppard said the order "allowed a special (Medicaid) enrollment period due to the pandemic and instructed the executive branch to review regulations that might have the effect of reducing access to coverage, but it didn't change any rules about coverage eligibility or price."

Titled "Strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act," the measure also repealed two health-related executive orders that former president Donald Trump signed in 2017.

Benefits vary by state

Medicaid is a public insurance program that offers free or low-cost health coverage for low-income Americans. It is jointly funded by federal and state governments, meaning each state administers its own benefits, services and qualification requirements, although there are some regulations all programs must follow.

"Medicaid is tricky as it's a federal and state program, meaning each state is different," said Robin Strongin, a health policy expert at the National Consumers League.

Matt Salo, former executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, said the program is "designed to run, operate and look different" in all US states and territories. for example:

"In Alabama, a pregnant woman or her child under the age of 18 can qualify for Medicaid at a relatively high income," he said.

The misleading Facebook post appeared during the enrollment window for his ACA Marketplace health plan in 2023, but eligible applicants can enroll in his Medicaid year-round.

AFP has previously debunked misleading claims about financial aid offers here, here and here.