Health care affordability and access have been major issues in the 2024 presidential election, with both Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump promising to address these concerns. However, their approaches differ significantly, and the implications for the U.S. health care system could be drastic.
Harris has pledged to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expand the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to make drug prices more affordable and improve access to care. On the other hand, Trump’s record on health care is mixed, with attacks on the ACA and major funding cuts to federal health care insurance programs.
One of the key areas of focus for both candidates is lowering drug prices. Harris played a crucial role in passing the 2022 IRA, which limited drug price increases and allowed Medicare to negotiate lower prices for certain medications. The IRA also includes a $35 cap on insulin and a $2,000 annual spending cap on prescription drugs under Medicare starting in 2025. Harris plans to further strengthen the IRA and expand coverage to drugs under private insurance and Medicaid if elected.
In contrast, Trump issued executive orders to lower prescription drug costs, including measures to stop pharmacy benefit managers from collecting rebate checks and enforce the Most Favored Nation pricing model. However, the Biden administration reversed these orders, and Trump’s stance on drug pricing remains unclear.
When it comes to affordable care, Trump has a history of attempting to repeal the ACA and proposing budget cuts to Medicaid. His administration allowed states to impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients, which has been met with mixed results. In comparison, Harris and Biden have actively promoted insurance enrollment and advocated for strengthening the ACA.
In terms of pandemic preparedness, Trump’s administration created the Coronavirus Task Force and pushed Operation Warp Speed to develop COVID vaccines quickly. However, his handling of the pandemic has been criticized, with experts pointing out that his actions may have contributed to unnecessary COVID deaths. In contrast, Biden’s American Rescue Plan focused on mobilizing the public health response to the pandemic and addressing racial inequities.
Looking ahead, the next administration will need to address ongoing challenges in health care affordability, access, and pandemic preparedness. The policies and approaches of the candidates will have a significant impact on the future of the U.S. health care system and the well-being of its citizens. It is essential for voters to consider these issues when making their decision in the 2024 presidential election.
