04.29.2021 / Statement

Statement – President Biden Prioritizes Our Nation’s Families, Including Critical Improvements in Health: Lays Out Plan to Make Health Care More Affordable

Washington, D.C. – Frederick Isasi, Executive Director of Families USA, issued the following statement on President Biden’s speech before Congress last night.

President Biden Prioritizes Our Nation’s Families, Including Critical Improvements in Health: Lays Out Plan to Make Health Care More Affordable

“The scope of investment in America’s families laid out in President Biden’s speech last night is breathtaking — with historic commitments to education and housing, childcare and paid family and medical leave, and jobs in communities across the country.

On health care specifically, he spoke to several promising initiatives. Those include an unprecedented investment in community-based and in-home care, a commitment to sustained support for COVID-19 vaccine and public health response, strong support for maternal and child health, and a proposal to make the American Rescue Plan’s subsidies for health care permanent and reduce deductibles– securing affordable health care for millions of families.

“And he didn’t stop there — the President also reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to make health care more accessible and affordable, responding to voters across the country that place high health care costs as a top issue in poll after poll.

“Critically, he committed to tackling the high cost of prescription drugs by giving the Medicare program authority to negotiate lower prices. To be clear, this is one of the most pressing issues in front of us, with the potential to put lifesaving medications within reach for tens of millions of seniors and people with disabilities. It also establishes what’s possible for health care reform overall — including lowering deductibles for working families, improving Medicare and Medicaid, and finishing the job on the Affordable Care Act’s health care reforms.

“Taken together, the President’s vision could finally ensure that every family in our nation can see a doctor when they and their children need care, without devastating their families’ finances. That’s not just great policy; it’s the kind of nation we should and can be.

“We look forward to working with the Administration and Congress on lowering health care prices this year and ensuring that every family in America can get the health care they need and deserve.”

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Families USA, a leading national voice for health care consumers, is dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care and improved health for all.