5 healthcare themes emerged from the Democratic National Convention
1 Stoking Stok fears on ACA lawsuit
Democrats Dem returned to a playbook that propelled them to retake the House in 2018, warning that a second term for President Donald Trump could take down the Affordable Care Act in its entirety. Biden highlighted the possible undoing of state Medicaid expansions and protections for individuals with preexisting conditions.
2 Improv Improving the coronavirus corona response
The former vice president argued he has a plan for addressing the coronavirus pandemic at a national level, including widespread rapid testing and boosting domestic production of medical supplies. Biden also cast himself as someone who will listen to scientists, saying Trump has a “muzzle” on public health experts.
3 Shorin Shoring up the ACA
In his acceptance a speech, Biden argued for building buil on the ACA to reduce premiums and deductibles and lower drug prices. He didn’t specifically mention his public option plan that the healthcare industry detests.
4 Boost Boosting Medicare
Biden claimed Trump’s move via executive order to eliminate the payroll tax and defer collection would decimate a funding source for Medicare and Social Security. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) touted Biden’s plan to lower the Medicare eligibility age to 60 from 65.
5 Fighting Fighti structural racism
Both Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), named systemic racism as an i issue their administration would work to address. Harris tied the issue directly to healthcare, calling out racial disparities in COVID-19 health outcomes, and reproductive and maternal health.