‘The Great Healthcare Plan’ promises direct cash to Americans for coverage
Daily News Article — Posted on January 16, 2026
(by Elaine Mallon, The National News Desk) – President Donald Trump unveiled his new healthcare plan for Americans dubbed “The Great Healthcare Plan” on Thursday.
“We’re calling it the great health care plan,” Trump said in a five minute video.
“Instead of putting the needs of big corporations and special interests first, our plan finally puts you first and puts more money in your pocket. The government is going to pay the money directly to you. It goes to you, and then you take the money and buy your own health care.”
A brief fact sheet posted on the White House website stated that if the plan is passed by Congress, then insurance companies will no longer receive taxpayer funded subsidy payments. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has previously criticized the fact that major health care companies are subsidized by the government, saying this allows companies to increase their profits. Americans will then get to directly choose the healthcare plan of their choice.
Trump said he plans to further reduce insurance premiums by putting an end to “giant kickbacks” paid to insurance brokers and pharmacy benefits managers.
In addition to cutting off subsidy payment to insurance companies, Trump’s health care plan would require “unprecedented accountability and transparency” from insurance companies. This means that companies will be required to use “Plain English” in written explanations of their plans to consumers, to publish the percentage of revenues paid out for claims versus overhead costs and profits on their websites, and to publish rejection rates of insurance claims.
Trump is extending the same level of transparency to hospitals and providers as well, requiring those that accept Medicaid or Medicare to “prominently post all prices at their place of business, so that you are never surprised, and you can easily shop for a better deal or better care.”
The president also said the plan will also codify his previous executive orders ensuring that Americans pay the same “prices for prescription drugs that people in other countries pay.” He estimated that drug prices could fall by 80% to 90%.
The debut of “The Great Healthcare Plan” comes ahead of a Senate vote which would extend subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. Last week, the House passed a three-year-extension on those subsidies, which expired at the end of last year.
By The National News Desk, published at Fox San Antonio on Jan. 15, 2026. Reprinted here for educational purposes only. May not be reproduced on other websites without permission.
Questions
NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the video under “Resources.”
1. How will health insurance companies be affected if the "Great Healthcare Plan" is passed by Congress?
2. Why has Democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders criticized subsidies paid to insurance companies?
3. In what ways will President Trump’s health care plan require “unprecedented accountability and transparency” from insurance companies?
4. How will the plan require transparency from hospitals and medical providers as well?
5. a) Define codify as used in para. 8.
b) What will the president's plan codify?
6. Left-leaning media reports criticize the president's announcement as being sparse on details. However, others point out this was just an announcement on the main points of the plan that he is calling on Congress to enact.
Ask a parent to read the Fact sheet from the White House then answer a) and b):
(NOTE: The president's video announcement, with transcript, are provided under "Resources" below.)
a) What is your reaction to the president's proposed plan?
b) Trump is calling on Congress "to enact the Great Healthcare Plan."
-Do you think Congress will do so?
-Do you think Congress should do so?
Please explain your answers.
Background
From an x post by press secretary Karoline Leavitt: President Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan will:
- Lower Prescription Drug Prices
- Lower Insurance Premiums
- Hold Big Insurance Companies Accountable
- Maximize Price Transparency
The plan rests on four pillars:
- codifying most-favored-nation drug pricing for 80-90% cuts on some prescription medications
- redirecting ACA (Obamacare) subsidies (from health insurance companies) to individual Health Savings Accounts to lower premiums by 10-15%
- mandating insurer accountability with public rate and denial data
- requiring price transparency from Medicare and Medicaid providers
It arrives as ACA (Obamacare) benchmark premiums surge 115% to $1,904 monthly in 2026 after subsidies expire, risking 1.4 million more uninsured. Supporters like GOP lawmakers hail it as a win over big insurance, while critics call it recycled ideas lacking detail and protections. (from a Jan. 15 Grok AI summary)