How Trump's executive order impacts future of 'Obamacare'
The one-page directive gives agencies authority to grant waivers, exemptions and delays of provisions in the Affordable Care Act.
Trump's order states that federal agencies can grant waivers, exemptions and delays of "Obamacare" provisions that would impose costs on states or individuals.
Insurers see the coverage requirement, or so-called individual mandate, as an essential tool to nudge healthy people into the coverage pool.
Leslie Dach, campaign director of the Protect Our Care Coalition, issued a statement saying, "While President Trump may have promised a smooth transition, the executive order does the opposite, threatening disruption for health providers and patients."
New regulations cannot be issued overnight, but would have to follow a legally established process that requires public notice and an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the administration's changes.
Trump has also been vague about what he wants included in a replacement package, saying his administration will have a plan after the Senate confirms his nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Rep. Tom Price.
The president has said he wants to keep some of the measure's more popular elements, including allowing young people to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26 and preventing insurance companies from denying coverage to people with pre-exiting conditions.