Democrats' big challenge on health care costs
Summary
Democrats face pressure to lower health care costs quickly, but major changes may require deals with President Trump and could conflict with his veto power. Their near-term priorities include restoring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts, while possible areas for bipartisan action include drug prices and other targeted cost reductions.Key Facts
- The article says Democrats are considering near-term affordability measures alongside longer-term health system reforms.
- Democrats’ stated priorities for the next Congress include restoring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversing Medicaid funding cuts in last year’s Republican reconciliation law.
- The article says Democrats’ majorities in both chambers could give them leverage but would not guarantee success in a standoff with President Trump.
- About 157 million Americans have workplace health coverage, and the article says they face higher premiums, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.
- The Trump administration has urged Congress to codify drug-price agreements known as “most favored nation” deals with major manufacturers.
- Proposed cost measures cited in the article include site-neutral hospital payments, caps on hospital costs and eliminating copays and deductibles for generic drugs in Medicare and Affordable Care Act markets.
- Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer, Ron Wyden and Frank Pallone have named health costs or broader health care reform as priorities.
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