Trump vs Harris: Health Care Access and Drug Prices Debate
- Kamala Harris intends to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and expand the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions, including a $35 cap on insulin.
- Donald Trump's administration saw a decline in ACA enrollment and attempts to repeal the act, leading to higher costs for remaining enrollees.
- The differing health care policies of both candidates will have significant implications for health care access and affordability in the U.S.
In the United States, the health care policies of presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are under scrutiny as the 2024 election approaches. Harris aims to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expand provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes a $35 cap on insulin and allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices. In contrast, Trump's record includes attempts to repeal the ACA and mixed support for drug price negotiations, raising concerns about the future of health care access under his potential administration. During his presidency, enrollment in ACA insurance fell significantly, and his administration's actions led to increased rates for remaining enrollees. The debate over drug pricing remains contentious, with Republican concerns about innovation and profit incentives for pharmaceutical companies. As both candidates present their health care agendas, the implications for millions of Americans hang in the balance, highlighting the stark differences in their approaches to health care access and affordability.