Biden launches a new push to limit healthcare costs, hoping to show he can save money for families
1 year, 5 months ago

Biden launches a new push to limit healthcare costs, hoping to show he can save money for families

LA Times  

President Biden on Friday rolled out a new set of initiatives to reduce healthcare costs: a crackdown on scam insurance plans, new guidance to prevent surprise medical bills and an effort to reduce medical debt tied to credit cards. Biden’s remarks will build on previous initiatives to limit healthcare costs, with the Department of Health and Human Services releasing new estimates showing 18.7 million older adults and other Medicare beneficiaries will save an estimated $400 per year in prescription drug costs in 2025 because of the president placing a cap on out-of-pocket spending as part of last year’s Inflation Reduction Act. The Biden administration plans to limit what it calls “junk” insurance plans, such as short-term policies that can deny basic coverage as people transition between employers and still need temporary healthcare coverage. The president is expected to also highlight previous efforts to reduce healthcare costs, including a plan allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs and a $35 monthly price cap on insulin for people in Medicare Part B.

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History of this topic

Biden proposes huge expansion of weight loss drug access
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Biden proposes huge expansion of weight loss drug access

Raw Story  

by Danny KEMP Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden proposed Tuesday to give millions more Americans access to weight loss drugs -- but Donald Trump's incoming health chief looked set to shoot down the idea. Any plan to increase US public health insurance spending would also likely run foul of Trump's bid to slash government budgets and waste. Trump said last …

Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans with obesity would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The costly proposal from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services immediately sets the stage for a showdown between the powerful pharmaceutical industry and Robert …

Biden Administration Predicts Record Obamacare Enrollment, But Trump Takeover Looms
1 month ago

Biden Administration Predicts Record Obamacare Enrollment, But Trump Takeover Looms

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING The Biden administration said on Friday it expects another record year of health insurance enrollment through the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act’s private insurance options began on Nov. 1, which means that people who don’t have access to an employer policy can buy insurance directly through one of the law’s …

What a big Republican win Tuesday could mean for Obamacare
1 month, 3 weeks ago

What a big Republican win Tuesday could mean for Obamacare

NPR  

What a big Republican win Tuesday could mean for Obamacare toggle caption Wilfredo Lee/AP Though the fate of the Affordable Care Act has played a role in presidential elections in the U.S. for more than a decade, this race has been different. “You will pay even more if Donald Trump finally gets his way and repeals the Affordable Care Act …

Republicans Threaten to Revamp Obamacare, as Election Draws Near
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Republicans Threaten to Revamp Obamacare, as Election Draws Near

Associated Press  

Republican candidates are threatening to overhaul the Affordable Care Act, a signature achievement of former President Barack Obama, should Trump win the presidency. The future of the program is uncertain, with significant changes possible if Republicans take control of Congress in Tuesday's contentious elections.

Feds sue pharmacy gatekeepers over high insulin costs
3 months ago

Feds sue pharmacy gatekeepers over high insulin costs

Politico  

The action is just the latest government effort to take aim at high drug costs in the U.S., where patients and insurers spend more on medicine than other countries. “The FTC’s administrative action seeks to put an end to the Big Three PBMs’ exploitative conduct and marks an important step in fixing a broken system — a fix that could …

Biden deal to lower prescription drug prices will save taxpayers $6bn next year, Democrats say
4 months, 1 week ago

Biden deal to lower prescription drug prices will save taxpayers $6bn next year, Democrats say

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A landmark price negotiation between pharmaceutical companies and Medicare will …

Biden admin to spend billions to blunt spike in Medicare drug premiums
4 months, 1 week ago

Biden admin to spend billions to blunt spike in Medicare drug premiums

Politico  

But efforts to alleviate the increase — by giving health insurers an extra $15 per member a month — have Republicans accusing the administration of attempting to buy a reprieve for a reliable voting bloc. “This is a way for the executive branch to implement a policy which has very positive political ramifications for them, but with very sketchy legal …

At debate, Biden meant to say he had beaten ‘big pharma,’ not Medicare
5 months, 2 weeks ago

At debate, Biden meant to say he had beaten ‘big pharma,’ not Medicare

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — At least one mystery about President Joe Biden’s often convoluted answers during the presidential debate has been solved. Early in the debate, the 81-year-old Democrat was asked a question about the national debt and ended his meandering answer by declaring, “We finally beat Medicare.” That was not what Biden had intended to say about the popular program providing …

Health Care Time Bomb Is Set To Go Off In 2025
7 months, 1 week ago

Health Care Time Bomb Is Set To Go Off In 2025

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING This article is part of HuffPost’s biweekly politics newsletter. “Folks, he’s coming for your health care, and we’re not going to let that happen.” Those are the closing words of a new 30-second ad from the Biden campaign, focusing on the Affordable Care Act and the possibility of repeal if Donald Trump becomes president again. !” But …

Biden sees a $35 price cap for insulin as a pivotal campaign issue. It’s not that clear-cut
8 months ago

Biden sees a $35 price cap for insulin as a pivotal campaign issue. It’s not that clear-cut

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Rarely a day goes without President Joe Biden mentioning insulin prices. “It is about political signaling in a campaign much more than it is about demonstrating for people that they benefit from the insulin cap,” said Drew Altman, president and CEO of KFF, a nonprofit that researches health care issues. There are a lot of people who don’t …

Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders join forces to promote lower health care costs, including for inhalers
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders join forces to promote lower health care costs, including for inhalers

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden teamed up with Sen. Bernie Sanders on Wednesday to promote his administration’s efforts to lower the cost of inhalers and other health care needs, as the White House continues its effort to highlight Biden’s legislative achievements to voters ahead of the November elections. Finally.” Both men touted the lower health care costs that come through …

Biden Wants Obamacare On The Ballot In Trump Rematch
9 months ago

Biden Wants Obamacare On The Ballot In Trump Rematch

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING This article is part of HuffPost’s biweekly politics newsletter. Tens of millions of Americans now get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, either via expanded state Medicaid programs that the ACA funds or subsidized private coverage that the ACA makes available. !” Trump also vowed that he would deliver “much better Healthcare than Obamacare for the …

Republicans rip Biden's 'reckless' $7.3 trillion budget that will 'accelerate America's decline': Top GOP members says plan is a 'another example of disregard for fiscal responsibility'
9 months, 1 week ago

Republicans rip Biden's 'reckless' $7.3 trillion budget that will 'accelerate America's decline': Top GOP members says plan is a 'another example of disregard for fiscal responsibility'

Daily Mail  

House Republican leadership tore into President Biden's new budget plan for fiscal year 2025, deeming it a 'roadmap to accelerate America's decline.' House Republican leadership tore into President Biden's new budget plan for fiscal year 2025, deeming it a 'roadmap to accelerate America's decline' The White House plans to pay for its ambition agenda - which includes $3 billion for …

Column: A Trump judge slaps down Big Pharma’s attack on Biden’s drug price cuts
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Column: A Trump judge slaps down Big Pharma’s attack on Biden’s drug price cuts

LA Times  

President Biden speaks during an event in August marking the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which authorized Medicare to negotiate drug prices. “Understandably, drug manufacturers like AstraZeneca don’t like the IRA,” wrote Judge Colm F. Connolly, referring to the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which authorized Medicare to negotiate with drugmakers over how much it would pay for …

‘Obamacare’ sign-ups surge to 20 million, days before open enrollment closes
11 months, 1 week ago

‘Obamacare’ sign-ups surge to 20 million, days before open enrollment closes

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Some 20 million people have signed up for health insurance this year through the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, a record-breaking figure. “But extreme Republicans have blocked these efforts at every turn.” The nation’s top health official on Wednesday credited piqued interest in the coverage with an aggressive campaign to get people enrolled. The administration has also invested millions …

Why You Should Take Trump's Health Care Repeal Talk Seriously
1 year ago

Why You Should Take Trump's Health Care Repeal Talk Seriously

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING This article is part of HuffPost’s biweekly politics newsletter. Sen. Chuck Grassley, Iowa Republican and senior Finance Committee member, told a local radio station that “I don’t hear any Republicans talking about it.” His GOP colleague from South Dakota, Majority Whip John Thune, offered similar thoughts to Politico: “Boy, I haven’t thought about that one in a …

Trump says he will renew efforts to replace 'Obamacare' if he wins a second term
1 year ago

Trump says he will renew efforts to replace 'Obamacare' if he wins a second term

India Today  

Former President Donald Trump threatened over the weekend to reopen the contentious fight over the Affordable Care Act after failing to repeal it while in the White House, saying he is “seriously looking at alternatives” if he wins a second term. Trump’s comments drew a rebuke from Democratic President Joe Biden‘s campaign, which cast them as another “extremist” proposal from …

Biden says that all 10 drugs targeted for the first Medicare price negotiations will participate
1 year, 2 months ago

Biden says that all 10 drugs targeted for the first Medicare price negotiations will participate

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden announced Tuesday that the manufacturers of all of the first 10 prescription drugs selected for Medicare’s first price negotiations have agreed to participate, clearing the way for talks that could lower their costs in coming years and give him a potential political win heading into next year’s election. In announcing that price negotiations will go …

Why Republican Presidential Contenders Are Mostly Silent About Biden’s Signature Prescription Drug Policy
1 year, 3 months ago

Why Republican Presidential Contenders Are Mostly Silent About Biden’s Signature Prescription Drug Policy

Huff Post  

President Joe Biden speaks during an event celebrating the start of Medicare's prescription drug price negotiation at the White House on Aug. 29, 2023. “Unlike Donald Trump, President Biden had the courage to stand up to Big Pharma, and thanks to his and Democrats’ leadership, seniors won’t have to choose between putting a meal on the table and their life-saving …

Biden’s Medicare price negotiation push is broadly popular. But he’s not getting much credit
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden’s Medicare price negotiation push is broadly popular. But he’s not getting much credit

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is trumpeting Medicare’s new powers to negotiate directly with drugmakers on the cost of prescription medications — but a poll shows that any immediate political boost that Biden gets for enacting the overwhelmingly popular policy may be limited. Even among the Americans who support allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, approval of Biden’s handling of …

The Biden administration unveils the first 10 medications up for price negotiation
1 year, 3 months ago

The Biden administration unveils the first 10 medications up for price negotiation

NPR  

The Biden administration unveils the first 10 medications up for price negotiation A MARTÍNEZ, HOST: About a quarter of adults in the U.S. say they have to take four or more prescription medications. The Biden administration has picked 10 medications to start negotiating lower prices for Medicare patients, and it's overriding an argument from the pharmaceutical industry that reduced profits …

10 drugs targeted for Medicare price negotiations as Biden pitches cost reductions
1 year, 3 months ago

10 drugs targeted for Medicare price negotiations as Biden pitches cost reductions

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden touted the potential cost savings of Medicare’s first-ever price negotiations for widely used prescription drugs on Tuesday as he struggles to convince Americans that he’s improved their lives as he runs for reelection. Currently, pharmacy benefit managers that run Medicare prescription plans negotiate rebates off a drug’s price. The new drug price negotiations aim “to …

Biden targets 10 drugs for Medicare price negotiations
1 year, 3 months ago

Biden targets 10 drugs for Medicare price negotiations

LA Times  

President Biden spoke at Irvine Valley College on Oct, 14, 2022, about his actions to protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security. President Biden touted the potential cost savings of Medicare‘s first-ever price negotiations for widely used prescription drugs on Tuesday as he struggles to convince Americans that he’s improved their lives as he runs for reelection. Currently, pharmacy benefit …

US names 10 prescription drugs subject to price negotiations
1 year, 3 months ago

US names 10 prescription drugs subject to price negotiations

Al Jazeera  

Move is expected to cut costs for some patients but faces lawsuits from drugmakers and heavy criticism from Republicans. US President Joe Biden’s administration has released a list of 10 prescription medicines that will be subject to the first-ever price negotiations by the United States Medicare health programme, a move that could affect tens of millions of people. Biden’s signature …

Medicaid plans to audit the prices of costliest drugs
1 year, 7 months ago

Medicaid plans to audit the prices of costliest drugs

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration said Tuesday it is planning to conduct a yearly audit to verify the prices drug makers charge on a handful of the costliest prescriptions covered by Medicaid. Under the proposal, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would require as many as 10 drug makers every year to furnish the government with proprietary and non-proprietary …

Column: Biden says he wants to bring down drug prices. His actions tell a different story
1 year, 9 months ago

Column: Biden says he wants to bring down drug prices. His actions tell a different story

LA Times  

President Biden meets with National Institutes of Health scientists Barney Graham, left, and Kizzmekia Corbett as they work on technology that contributed to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. — Xtandi users’ petition for government price cut The drug is marketed in the U.S. by Pfizer and the Japanese drug company Astellas for $189,800 a year. The action by HHS is …

Biden says he’s focused ‘intensely’ on lowering drug costs
1 year, 9 months ago

Biden says he’s focused ‘intensely’ on lowering drug costs

Associated Press  

LAS VEGAS — President Joe Biden on Wednesday said his administration was focused “intensely” on lowering health care costs and took aim at “MAGA” Republicans who he said are intent on dialing back Medicare coverage for millions of Americans. “Let’s protect the lower prescription drug costs for everyone” Already, the legislation caps the price of insulin at $35 for disabled …

Healthcare coverage for millions in U.S. will turn on a debate emerging in Washington
1 year, 9 months ago

Healthcare coverage for millions in U.S. will turn on a debate emerging in Washington

LA Times  

President Biden used his State of the Union speech to bait Republicans into a fight over Medicare. Biden’s plan will “ask the wealthiest to pay a little more to ensure that this program is around for at least 25 more years for our seniors who need it,” White House budget director Shalanda Young told reporters in unveiling the spending plan …

Joe Biden plans new taxes on the rich to help save Medicare
1 year, 9 months ago

Joe Biden plans new taxes on the rich to help save Medicare

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program’s solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults. He called Medicare a “rock-solid guarantee that Americans have counted on to be there for them when …

Joe Biden plans higher taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare: Report
1 year, 9 months ago

Joe Biden plans higher taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare: Report

Hindustan Times  

President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program's solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults. “The president’s plan would generate hundreds of billions of dollars – perhaps even approaching a trillion dollars – to …

Biden wants to tax people with large incomes to fund Medicare
1 year, 9 months ago

Biden wants to tax people with large incomes to fund Medicare

Firstpost  

Washington: U.S. President Joe Biden will propose raising the Medicare tax on high earners to help keep the federal insurance program solvent as part of his budget to be released on Thursday, the White House said. The tax increase is part of a package of proposals aimed at extending the solvency of the Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by at …

Biden will seek Medicare changes, up tax rate in new budget
1 year, 9 months ago

Biden will seek Medicare changes, up tax rate in new budget

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden wants to increase taxes to boost funding for Medicare and expand the programme's ability to negotiate lower costs for prescription drugs, according to advance details of his budget proposal being released later this week. The Medicare tax rate would rise from 3.8% to 5% on income exceeding $400,000 per year, including salaries and capital gains. “This modest …

Biden proposes new taxes on the rich to keep Medicare solvent
1 year, 9 months ago

Biden proposes new taxes on the rich to keep Medicare solvent

LA Times  

President Biden, shown speaking at an International Assn. President Biden on Tuesday proposed new taxes on the rich to help fund Medicare, saying the plan would help to extend the insurance program’s solvency by 25 years and provide a degree of middle-class stability to millions of older adults. He called Medicare a “rock-solid guarantee that Americans have counted on to …

Senate Democrats urge White House to rein in ‘junk’ health plans boosted by Trump
1 year, 10 months ago

Senate Democrats urge White House to rein in ‘junk’ health plans boosted by Trump

Raw Story  

Sen. Tammy Baldwin and more than two dozen other Democratic senators called on the Biden administration Wednesday to rein in short-term health plans that don’t follow minimum standards for health coverage set by the federal Affordable Care Act. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin “We must protect those who will be looking for coverage in the near future, and take steps to …

Feds expect to collect $4.7B in insurance fraud penalties
1 year, 10 months ago

Feds expect to collect $4.7B in insurance fraud penalties

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration estimated Monday that it could collect as much as $4.7 billion from insurance companies with newer and tougher penalties for submitting improper charges on the taxpayers’ tab for Medicare Advantage care. Federal watchdogs have been sounding the alarm for years about questionable charges on the government’s private version of the Medicare program, with investigators raising …

Record 16.3 million seek health coverage through ‘Obamacare’
1 year, 10 months ago

Record 16.3 million seek health coverage through ‘Obamacare’

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — A record 16.3 million people sought health insurance through the Affordable Care Act this year, double the number covered when the marketplaces first launched nearly a decade ago, the Biden administration announced Wednesday. The low-cost plans, which offer zero dollar-premiums for some entering the marketplace, have reversed what was a flat market for the Obama-era health law, said …

Biden administration proposes crackdown on scam Medicare ads
2 years ago

Biden administration proposes crackdown on scam Medicare ads

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Wednesday proposed a ban on misleading ads for Medicare Advantage plans that have targeted older Americans and, in some cases, convinced them to sign up for plans that don’t cover their doctors or prescriptions. The proposed rule “takes important steps to hold Medicare Advantage plans accountable for providing high quality coverage and care to …

Biden pushing lower prescription drug costs in midterm press
2 years, 2 months ago

Biden pushing lower prescription drug costs in midterm press

Associated Press  

IRVINE, California — President Joe Biden is highlighting his administration’s efforts to lower prescription drug costs on Friday as part of his three-state Western tour this week, as he confronts a sobering inflation report in the waning weeks before midterm elections. And on a month-to-month basis, such “core” prices soared 0.6% for a second straight time, defying expectations for a …

Millions of Americans will save on Medicare fees next year
2 years, 2 months ago

Millions of Americans will save on Medicare fees next year

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — For the first time in a decade, Americans will pay less next year on monthly premiums for Medicare’s Part B plan, which covers routine doctors’ visits and other outpatient care. “That can really be used to pay off credit cards, to restock pantries that have gotten low because people can’t afford to buy as much today as they …

Biden bill to help millions escape higher health care costs
2 years, 4 months ago

Biden bill to help millions escape higher health care costs

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Millions of people in the United States will be spared from big increases in health care costs next year after President Joe Biden signed legislation extending generous subsidies for those who buy plans through federal and state marketplaces. The sweeping climate, tax and health care bill sets aside $70 billion over the next three years to keep out-of-pocket …

In Biden’s big bill: Climate, health care, deficit reduction
2 years, 4 months ago

In Biden’s big bill: Climate, health care, deficit reduction

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The biggest investment ever in the U.S. to fight climate change. Republicans deride the 730-page bill as big government overreach and point particular criticism at its $80 billion investment in the IRS to hire new employees and go after tax scofflaws. Here’s what’s in the estimated $740 billion package — made up of $440 billion in new spending …

What’s in Democrats’ big bill? Climate, health care, savings
2 years, 4 months ago

What’s in Democrats’ big bill? Climate, health care, savings

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Not as robust as the proposal President Joe Biden once envisioned to rebuild America’s public infrastructure and family support systems, the Democrats’ compromise of health care, climate change and deficit-reduction strategies is still a substantial undertaking. Those include capping prescription drug costs at $2,000 out of pocket for seniors, helping Americans pay for private health insurance and what …

House passes $35-a-month insulin cap as Dems seek wider bill
2 years, 8 months ago

House passes $35-a-month insulin cap as Dems seek wider bill

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The House has passed a bill capping the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for insured patients, part of an election-year push by Democrats for price curbs on prescription drugs at a time of rising inflation. Experts say the legislation, which passed 232-193 Thursday, would provide significant relief for privately insured patients with skimpier plans and for Medicare …

Misleading claims cite Biden for insulin price increases
2 years, 9 months ago

Misleading claims cite Biden for insulin price increases

Associated Press  

CLAIM: President Joe Biden raised insulin prices after former President Donald Trump lowered them. The Biden administration repealed a narrow, Trump-era regulation that sought to lower the cost of insulin at federally funded health centers. Referring to a 13-year-old with diabetes who was present for the remarks, Biden said: “For Joshua, and for the 200,000 other young people with Type …

Biden puts focus on drug prices in fight against inflation
2 years, 10 months ago

Biden puts focus on drug prices in fight against inflation

Associated Press  

CULPEPER, Virginia — Unable to tame inflation that has worsened sharply under his watch, President Joe Biden stressed Thursday that his administration’s policies would cut prescription drug prices and make life more affordable for families. Prescription drugs remain a politically safe focal point for Biden’s visit, and Spanberger said the president was right to push forward on it. Biden’s drug …

Biden puts focus on drug prices as he tries to revive agenda
2 years, 10 months ago

Biden puts focus on drug prices as he tries to revive agenda

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy President Joe Biden is trying to jump-start progress on his …

14.5M get health care under Obama law, with help from Biden
2 years, 10 months ago

14.5M get health care under Obama law, with help from Biden

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — At least 14.5 million Americans are getting private health insurance for this year under the Obama-era health law, thanks to help from the Biden administration. “Health care should be a right, not a privilege, for all Americans,” President Joe Biden said Thursday in a statement announcing the numbers. Separately, the Department of Health and Human Services said the …

Biden says 14.5 million get health care under Obama law, with help
2 years, 10 months ago

Biden says 14.5 million get health care under Obama law, with help

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden said on January 27 that 14.5 million Americans got private health insurance for this year under the Obama-era health law, thanks to help from his administration. “Health care should be a right, not a privilege, for all Americans,” Mr. Biden said in a statement. Mr. Biden said new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …

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