As ACA repeal and replace efforts stall, significant uncertainty remains surrounding how federal policy will affect nonprofit healthcare organizations, leading to a negative sector outlook for healthcare, according to Fitch Ratings.
The uncertainty and negative outlook comes as the Trump administration looks for ways to weaken the ACA even if the health reform law is not repealed.
Nonprofit hospitals experienced declines in uncompensated care under the ACA because of an increase in healthcare coverage due to Medicaid expansion, rollout of healthcare exchanges and allowing children to stay on their parent's health insurance plan until age 26.
While repeal efforts cause uncertainty for hospitals, current discussions regarding a bipartisan healthcare bill could be beneficial for nonprofit hospitals. A bipartisan effort could potentially reduce the insurance premium price hikes, according to Fitch.