HEALTH CARE
The Biden Administration And
Health Care
BY : CANDACE ARVIN , EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ADVISOR , GENERAL INSURANCE SERVICES
Health care was a focal point of Joe Biden ’ s presidential campaign . In his first two months in office , President Biden has already addressed several core health care issues , but there ’ s much more to come . Topics such as the Affordable Care Act ( ACA ), the establishment of a public option , expansion of Medicare and Medicaid , lower drug pricing , and pricing transparency are all next on the Democratic agenda .
THE FUTURE OF THE ACA
As the future of the ACA rests in the hands of the US Supreme Court , the Biden administration must consider two options . In the event that the ACA is upheld — the outcome the administration is pushing for in court — Biden is expected to move forward with an expansion of ACA programs . This will include establishing a public health care option and expanding the availability of Medicare and Medicaid . In the event that the ACA is not upheld in court , the administration will set out to draft a replacement .
IN THE EVENT THAT THE ACA IS UPHELD , BIDEN IS EXPECTED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH AN EXPANSION OF ACA PROGRAMS .
PUBLIC OPTION
A public health care option would compete with private markets and provide relief to both patients and small businesses , which would no longer need to provide coverage for employees . Biden aims for this option to offer lower prices through price negotiation , cover copayments for primary care , and improve coordination between health care providers .
MEDICARE AND MEDICAID
Biden has stated he will lower the age for Medicare eligibility from 65 to 60 . This change will allow an additional 20 million individuals to participate in the program .
A Medicaid expansion would occur at the state level . States that already have expanded Medicaid programs in place would have the choice of moving the expansion population to the public option , provided the states sustain the cost of covering those individuals . The expansion would grant health care access to almost 5 million people , including access to extended coverage for those falling below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level .
DRUG PRICING AND PRICING TRANSPARENCY
By allowing Medicare drug pricing negotiation , limiting drug price increases , monitoring new drugs , and importing drugs to cut costs , the Biden administration intends to lower prescription drug costs for all health care consumers
The administration also plans to put an end to surprise billing , which will be accomplished through enhanced pricing transparency measures . Part of Biden ’ s approach is to bar health care providers from charging out-of-network rates to patients when they can ’ t control which health care provider they see .
STAY IN THE KNOW !
General Insurance Services works hard to keep you updated on the latest developments in health care and employee benefits . Get in touch with our team of professionals for more information and resources related to these and other changes to the evolving Democratic health care system . +
Candace Arvin was born and raised in Chesterton , Indiana . After graduating college with a degree in Business Administration , she spent 5 years working in the healthcare industry where she gained a multitude of experience serving populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric . She enjoys volunteering in the community and serves on the Hobart Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors . In her free time , Candace enjoys visits to the beach , kayaking , reading , and spending time with friends and family .
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