Trump signs executive order to weaken Obamacare

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing the sale of health insurance plans that are exempt from some Obamacare regulations. The order directs federal agencies to consider easing rules allowing small businesses and some individuals to buy cheaper plans with fewer benefits. Consumers could also buy short-term policies that would skirt protections […]

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order allowing the sale of health insurance plans that are exempt from some Obamacare regulations.

The order directs federal agencies to consider easing rules allowing small businesses and some individuals to buy cheaper plans with fewer benefits.

Consumers could also buy short-term policies that would skirt protections in place for pre-existing conditions.

The order comes after Congress has repeatedly failed to repeal the law.

Mr Trump said the White House was “starting the process” of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, in announcing the executive order at a news conference on Thursday.