health
How Congress Can Deliver Healthcare Affordability
A little over a year into President Donald Trump’s second term, the economy is strong. Core inflation is down to the lowest point in years, and real earnings for the private sector are up: far outpacing inflation and putting money back in American workers’ pockets. Despite these wins, healthcare costs remain a significant concern for most Americans.
TL;DR
- Core inflation is low, and real earnings are up in President Trump's second term, but healthcare costs remain a concern.
- Voters overwhelmingly support reforms to address high healthcare prices and issues within the system.
- The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is criticized for increasing healthcare costs and negatively impacting prescription drug pricing and Medicare Part D.
- The IRA's price controls on Medicare Part D have allegedly reduced options and increased premiums for beneficiaries.
- The IRA's provision to cut Medicare Part B reimbursement rates for physician-administered drugs is predicted to harm providers, especially in rural areas, and limit patient access.
- Nearly 3 in 4 voters oppose the IRA provision reducing Medicare Part B reimbursements, citing concerns about patient access, treatment availability, and practice viability.
- There is strong, broad, and bipartisan support for Congress to fix the IRA's Medicare reimbursement cuts.
- The Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act of 2025 is proposed to halt these harmful cuts.
- Passing legislation to fix IRA provisions is seen as an achievable victory for lawmakers before the midterm elections.