With President Donald Trump winning a second term, we’re preparing for healthcare reforms that could reshape access to care for millions of Americans. For the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC), these changes hit close to home. Our mission, “building healthy communities for all through quality, equitable, accessible healthcare,” drives us to provide care for over 2 million patients each year through a network of more than 1,400 clinics supported by 200,000 volunteers and staff. As we face these potential changes, we must consider how the policies of this next Trump administration could impact our patients and our commitment to “a just society that ensures a healthy life and well-being for all.”

The Affordable Care Act: Reforms and the Potential Impact on Low-Income Americans

President Trump has proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with promises of making it “better, stronger, and far less expensive.” Some of these changes—like ending premium subsidy tax credits—could have serious implications, especially for low-income individuals in states that haven’t expanded Medicaid. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), over 27 million Americans are currently uninsured, and Black, Latino, and other people of color make up a large share of this population due to systemic barriers to affordable healthcare.

Every day, we see how crucial affordable healthcare is at the NAFC. Many of our patients rely solely on our clinics for their healthcare. As recent Medicaid rollbacks have left over 5 million people without coverage, the need for accessible care has only grown. This rollback could leave millions more in need of the NAFC’s services, increasing demand for our clinics as we work to fill gaps in a strained system.

Telehealth and Price Transparency: A Step Forward, But Barriers Remain

President Trump has voiced strong support for telehealth, especially in rural and underserved areas. For many patients, this could bridge physical barriers to care. Trump’s focus on price transparency is also intended to help individuals understand and budget for their healthcare expenses, potentially easing some financial strain.

That being said, financial barriers are still a major roadblock for many. Data from KFF shows that people of color are more likely to delay or avoid medical care because of cost, and for those without insurance, even telehealth services are often too expensive. Price transparency alone isn’t enough to solve these issues; true accessibility requires affordable options. NAFC is committed to providing that affordability, knowing that many people need far more than just information to access healthcare.

Women’s Healthcare and Reproductive Rights: More Challenges for Vulnerable Women

In regards to reproductive healthcare, President Trump focuses on state-level regulation of abortion and proposes cutting federal support for family planning programs. For low-income women, especially Black women who face a maternal mortality rate three times that of white women, these changes could create additional challenges.

At NAFC, we’re dedicated to closing these gaps. Thousands of women come to our clinics each year for accessible, affordable reproductive healthcare—a cornerstone of our mission to build healthy communities. If access to family planning and preventive care diminishes, NAFC will continue to provide safe, supportive options for women who have nowhere else to turn.

Reducing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: A Setback for Health Equity Under Trump

Trump has proposed reductions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which include plans to restrict gender-affirming healthcare, and could have a devastating impact on marginalized communities. Studies from KFF show that people of color and LGBTQ individuals face higher rates of discrimination in healthcare, often delaying care as a result.

Our commitment to equity means ensuring every patient feels respected and receives compassionate care, regardless of background or identity. 68% of our patients identify as racial or ethnic minorities, and we know how critical DEI policies are to our vision of equitable healthcare for all.

Supporting NAFC’s Mission for Accessible, Equitable Care

As President Trump begins his second term, our work at NAFC remains as vital as ever. But we need your help. Please support our mission by donating, volunteering, or even starting a clinic in your community. Together, we can ensure that healthcare remains accessible for everyone, regardless of policy changes.

Visit nafcclinics.org to learn more about how you can help build a healthier, more equitable America.