The Democratic National Convention 2021 is set to be a pivotal event in the political landscape, with a focus on key health concerns that are shaping the conversation leading up to the election. From negotiated drug prices to abortion rights, the convention will highlight the party’s stance on critical health care issues. Here are the top 5 health concerns at the Democratic National Convention 2021:
Negotiated Drug Prices
One of the key health care issues that Democrats will likely highlight at the convention is negotiated drug prices. The Biden administration has made efforts to lower drug costs, with Vice President Harris playing a crucial role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act. This sweeping law allows Medicare to directly bargain with pharmaceutical companies for lower prices on commonly used medications.
While the prices for the first 10 drugs will not go into effect until 2026, Harris has already announced plans to accelerate the speed of negotiations to bring down prices faster. Her platform pledges to cap the cost of insulin at $35 and out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs at $2,000 for everyone, not just seniors.
At the DNC, expect Harris and other administration officials to champion these negotiated prices, along with other aspects of the IRA such as insulin price caps and out-of-pocket spending limits. The goal is to make prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their pricing practices.
Abortion Rights
Reproductive rights have been a hot-button issue in recent years, and Democrats are expected to continue to emphasize their support for abortion rights at the convention. Vice President Harris and other Democrats have criticized the Trump campaign for its stance on restricting access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
The reproductive rights debate is an important arena where Harris can speak directly to her advocacy. As vice president, she has been a vocal supporter of efforts to shore up abortion rights and fight against limits on mifepristone. Her platform includes plans to protect and expand access to reproductive health care services for all Americans.
Recent comments from Trump and his running mate JD Vance have provided fresh ammunition for the Harris campaign, which has warned of potential restrictions on abortion access under a Trump administration. The majority of voters believe that striking down Roe v. Wade was wrong, and Democrats are determined to protect and expand reproductive rights for all Americans.
Medical Debt
Medical debt is a pressing issue for many Americans, and Democrats are addressing it head-on at the convention. Vice President Harris has pledged to clear billions of dollars in medical debt if elected president, a stance that goes beyond previous proposals to exclude medical debt from credit reports.
With total medical debt in the country estimated at over $220 billion, Harris’s plan to crush billions in medical bills is ambitious. While details on how this will be achieved are scarce, the campaign has stated that they will work with states to implement the plan. The goal is to ensure that no American goes bankrupt due to medical expenses.
The issue of medical debt relief resonates with voters, with recent polling showing that 81% of Americans believe it is important. Progressive groups are cautiously supportive of Harris’s plan, viewing it as a critical first step in addressing the financial burden of medical expenses on individuals and families.
The Fate of Obamacare
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, remains a key focus for Democrats at the convention. Vice President Harris has warned of Trump’s intentions to revisit the battle over the ACA and potentially eliminate the law. The ACA has been a transformative piece of legislation that has expanded access to health care for millions of Americans.
While Trump has stated that he wants to improve the ACA rather than repeal it, Democrats remain vigilant in defending the law and its protections for preexisting conditions and essential coverage requirements. Public support for the ACA has remained strong, with a majority of voters favoring the law and ranking it as a very important issue.
During his presidency, Trump and his allies in Congress attempted to repeal the ACA over 50 times, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Democrats are determined to protect and strengthen the ACA to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable and comprehensive health care coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid, the federal health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, is another critical health care issue that Democrats will address at the convention. Trump has pledged not to cut funding for Medicaid, but his administration has explored implementing work requirements and block grants that could overhaul the program.
Expanded Medicaid coverage is a key issue for many swing-state Democrats, who see it as a winning issue with voters. States like North Carolina have recently expanded Medicaid coverage, providing health care to thousands of additional residents. However, there are still ten states that have not expanded Medicaid, leaving millions of Americans without access to affordable health care.
As chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Vice President Harris’s running mate Tim Walz is poised to address the GOP’s threats to Medicaid coverage. Democrats are committed to protecting and expanding Medicaid to ensure that all Americans have access to the health care they need.
In conclusion, the Democratic National Convention 2021 will shine a spotlight on the top health concerns facing Americans today. From negotiated drug prices to abortion rights, medical debt, the fate of Obamacare, and Medicaid, Democrats are committed to addressing these issues and fighting for affordable, accessible health care for all. As the convention unfolds, expect to hear more about these critical health care issues and the Democratic Party’s plans to improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
