A look at how President Trump's executive order involving the Affordable Care Act will affect Northeast Iowans

President Trump late Thursday signed an executive order which could bring major changes to the Affordable Care Act.

The order begins a Labor Department study of nationwide association health plans for small businesses and possibly for individuals as well.  The president said the change is "long overdue."

The order also would allow consumers to buy short-term policies, which insurance companies could restrict to those without pre-existing conditions. It's that part of the executive order which concerns critics, who worry the new short-term policies draw younger and healthier customers away from Obamacare and send premiums skyrocketing for sicker people left in the exchanges.  Such policies also might not have to comply with several key Obamacare regulations and from state oversight.

According to administration officials, the changes could take six months or more to take effect.

In Iowa, Medica is the only insurer offering individual health care plans for 2018.  Medica Vice President of Individual and Family Business Geoff Bartsh said, "The decision by President Trump to end CSR payments will not change Medica's consumer's current health plans or change the options available to them in 2018. Consumers who qualify can still purchase a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs. This decision also has no impact on premium subsidies available to the vast majority of consumers. Our premiums for 2018 anticipated this action and were increased previously to account for it."

Group Benefit Partners Benefits Consultant Brian Huinker in Decorah said,  "There are a lot of moving parts this year and only 45 days to enroll (November 1st through December 15th).  With provider network changes and other issues, educating people will be very important this year."