Vice President Harris took the stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) last night as the Democratic nominee for president. To coincide with the Convention, the Democratic Party released its official Party Platform on Monday. An important caveat is that while the platform broadly reflects the party’s priorities, it does not necessarily represent or align with the Harris Campaign’s specific positions on every issue. Nevertheless, it serves as a general indicator of what Democrats would prioritize if they do well in the November election. This week’s Capitol Insights will provide a high-level overview of the platform’s healthcare priorities.

Lowering Prescription Drug Prices

Many Democrats consider the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to be the crown jewel of the Biden Administration. Many Democrats view the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program provision of the IRA as a key initiative to control high prescription drug prices in the U.S. and the party’s platform supports continuing to prioritize this program going forward. Under the IRA, prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries are also capped at $2,000, a benefit which the party platform pledges to extend to the private sector. Further, it proposes introducing a system that would cap “life-saving generics” at $2 per dose.

Expanding Traditional Medicare Benefits

The platform includes a proposal to expand traditional Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing benefits, aiming to make traditional Medicare more competitive with Medicare Advantage plans.

Protecting a Right to Abortion/Reproductive Freedom

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, the Democratic platform has maintained a significant focus on legalizing abortion at the federal level.

 Continuing Medicaid Expansion

The platform indicates that Democrats will continue to push for Congress to expand “Medicaid-like coverage” to the 2.8 million Americans living in the 10 states where Medicaid has not yet been expanded.

Extending ACA Premium Tax Credits

The platform supports continuing the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium tax credits for Americans enrolled in ACA health plans.

Prioritizing Maternal Health

The party platform expresses support for continuing the Biden Administration’s efforts to fund women’s health research and expand postpartum coverage for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Reining in PBMs

The platform calls for greater transparency of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) regarding the selection of drugs on health plan formularies and their pricing. This is part of a broader initiative by the party to address alleged anti-competitive practices.

Eliminating Medical Debt from Credit Reporting

The platform reiterates support for excluding medical debt from credit reports, a proposal discussed in last week’s edition of Capitol Insights. The platform encourages states to allocate funds to help settle Americans’ medical debt.

Other Priorities

Other healthcare initiatives outlined in the platform include expanding the Cancer Moonshot Initiative, investing additional federal resources to improve the accessibility and affordability of mental healthcare, and addressing the opioid epidemic.

Conclusion

As the election approaches, these priorities highlight the party’s emphasis on healthcare reform and will likely play a significant role in voter’s decision this November.

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