The 2024 Presidential Election: Health Care and Reproductive Rights at the Forefront
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the stakes for American health care and reproductive rights have never been higher. With Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump as the leading candidates, voters are faced with starkly different visions for the future of the U.S. health system. This article delves into their contrasting approaches to key issues such as prescription drug costs, health care coverage, and reproductive rights, providing insight into what each candidate’s policies could mean for Americans.
Prescription Drug Costs: A Critical Concern
One of the most pressing issues for American voters is the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs. Both Harris and Trump have pledged to lower these costs, but their strategies differ significantly. According to the nonprofit research firm RAND, medication prices in the U.S. are nearly three times higher than in other developed countries. This has led to alarming statistics: about 20% of adults have not filled a prescription due to cost, and 10% have cut pills in half or skipped doses.
Trump’s previous attempts to address drug pricing have been criticized as temporary and ineffective. His administration introduced an executive order to ensure that Medicare would not pay more than the lowest price available in select other countries. However, this policy was rescinded by the Biden administration following legal challenges. Trump’s campaign has not provided specific plans for drug pricing if he is reelected, leaving many questions unanswered.
In contrast, Harris aims to build on the Biden administration’s efforts to make medications more affordable. She plans to expand provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a $35 cap on monthly insulin costs and a $2,000 annual limit on out-of-pocket drug expenses for all Americans, not just seniors on Medicare. Harris also intends to accelerate Medicare’s drug price negotiations with manufacturers, a move that has faced opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.
Health Care Coverage: Diverging Paths
Health care coverage remains a critical issue, with both candidates offering different visions for the future. Harris has been a long-time supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has advocated for its expansion. The ACA has played a vital role in extending health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans and preventing insurance companies from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions. Harris’s campaign has indicated a commitment to making enhanced ACA subsidies permanent and extending Medicaid coverage in states that have not yet expanded the program.
On the other hand, Trump has a contentious history with the ACA, having led multiple failed attempts to repeal it during his presidency. While he has recently stated that he would not seek to terminate the law, he has not provided a clear alternative. Trump’s previous proposals would have reduced federal spending on the ACA but could have led to increased out-of-pocket costs for patients and a rise in the number of uninsured Americans.
The future of Medicaid, which provides coverage for over 81 million Americans, is also at stake. Trump has previously supported eligibility restrictions and proposed converting Medicaid funding into a "block grant" system, which would limit federal funding and give states more control. In contrast, Harris would likely pursue policies to expand Medicaid coverage and reduce health disparities, but achieving this would depend on the composition of Congress.
Reproductive Rights: A Pivotal Election Issue
The issue of reproductive rights has gained renewed urgency in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This election marks the first presidential race since that landmark ruling, and the candidates’ positions on abortion could significantly influence voter turnout, particularly among women and younger voters.
Harris has been a staunch advocate for abortion access, blaming Trump for the reversal of Roe v. Wade due to his appointments to the Supreme Court. She supports the passage of a national law to codify abortion rights and has called for the elimination of the Senate filibuster to facilitate this goal. Harris has also defended the availability of the abortion pill mifepristone amid ongoing legal battles over its approval.
Trump’s stance on abortion has been more ambiguous. While he has expressed support for state-level decisions regarding abortion, he has also suggested the possibility of a national ban at 15 weeks of pregnancy. His comments have shifted over time, reflecting a desire to appeal to both conservative and moderate voters. Trump’s administration previously implemented anti-abortion measures, including restrictions on federal funding for clinics that provide abortions.
Conclusion: The Future of American Health Care and Reproductive Rights
As the 2024 presidential election draws near, the differences between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on health care and reproductive rights are stark. Harris’s approach emphasizes expanding access and affordability, while Trump’s policies lean toward reducing federal involvement and promoting state control. The outcome of this election will have profound implications for millions of Americans, particularly in a health care system that is already grappling with high costs and disparities in access.
Voters must consider not only the candidates’ promises but also their track records and the potential impact of their policies on the future of health care and reproductive rights in the United States. As the election approaches, these issues will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of the national conversation, shaping the lives of Americans for years to come.
