As the election draws near, Americans are beginning to understand the stark differences in the healthcare visions of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. With less than 70 days left until the election, the choices made by voters could have a significant impact on the future of healthcare in the country. The healthcare policies proposed by the candidates are crucial for the well-being of patients across the nation.
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz aim to build upon the successes of the Biden-Harris administration, focusing on lowering prescription drug costs and addressing medical debt. On the other hand, former President Donald Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance have been relatively silent about their healthcare policy agenda. However, Project 2025, a policy agenda sponsored by the Heritage Foundation, offers a glimpse into what their healthcare policies could entail.
One concerning aspect of the Project 2025 agenda is its potential impact on medication costs. For example, insulin, a life-saving medication for many patients with diabetes, has seen a steady increase in out-of-pocket costs over the years. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by President Biden, capped insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries, leading to an increase in the number of prescriptions filled. Repealing this act, as proposed by Project 2025, could make medications like insulin more expensive, forcing patients to make difficult choices between their health and financial stability.
Moreover, Project 2025 also seeks to weaken Medicaid, a vital healthcare program for over 70 million low-income Americans. The proposed lifetime caps on benefits and work requirements could result in millions of people losing their coverage, punishing individuals for their economic status and denying them essential healthcare services.
In addition to medication costs and access to Medicaid, Project 2025 also aims to restrict reproductive healthcare and endanger children’s health. The agenda proposes limitations on abortion rights and contraception coverage, as well as measures that could jeopardize children’s well-being by preventing vaccination requirements in schools and invalidating laws aimed at reducing gun violence.
The potential implementation of Project 2025 policies could reverse decades of progress in healthcare and public health. The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion have been hard-fought victories that have improved access to affordable medical care for many Americans. The prospect of these achievements being undone underscores the importance of advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of patients.
As the election approaches, it is crucial for voters to consider the healthcare policies proposed by the candidates and the potential impact on patients across the country. The choices made in November could shape the future of healthcare in America and have far-reaching consequences for individuals‘ access to essential medical services.
