Democrats’ victories in the midterm elections could have a major impact on Americans’ healthcare, from how much people pay for health insurance and prescription drugs to what coverage is available to them, according to health policy experts and former White House advisers.If the Democrats and President Donald Trump are willing to work together, that is.
With control of the House and Senate, Democrats will hold significant leverage to restore the enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, reverse cuts to Medicaid and push for changes they say would make healthcare more affordable.They can also use their oversight powers to scrutinize the Trump administration’s health policies, including those led by Health Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.
The new Democratic majority will include three doctors who have been vocal in their criticism of the health secretary, including Senator-elect Annie Andrews of South Carolina, Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, and Representative-elect Richard Pan of California.During her campaign, Andrews criticized Kennedy for overhauling the federal vaccine schedule and promoting medical disinformation, calling him an “archnemesis” to public health.
“We’ve seen a real transformation of the healthcare state over the last two years and it’s been immensely damaging,” said Miranda Yaver, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh.“We can absolutely expect to see a lot of oversight into these changes and unpacking what those harms are.” But turning those policies into law won’t be easy.
Any legislation would still need Trump’s signature, setting up a potential clash over the future of healthcare.Ahead of Tuesday’s election, Trump said he’d brand himself “Mr.
Veto” if Democrats took control of Congress.On Wednesday, he said he’ll “probably” get along with the Democrats.
“The way I think about this is hunting versus farming,” said John Barkett, a former White...