An Analysis of Trump's Healthcare Plan and Biden’s Vision for a New America

During the ongoing pandemic, essential discussions around healthcare reform have taken center stage. President Donald Trump’s recent healthcare stance, or rather the lack thereof, has drawn significant criticism and scrutiny. Despite high hopes, Trump has failed to present a coherent and implementable healthcare plan, raising concerns about the future of American healthcare under his administration.

Why Isn't Trump's Healthcare Plan Happening?

The United States Federal Government is not positioned to deeply engage in healthcare matters, as originally envisioned by the Founding Fathers. Influenced by the seminal work of Alex de Tocqueville, the government was designed to focus on external affairs, such as military, borders, ambassadors, and post offices. However, over the years, this has led to a continuous overreach, usurping powers that should belong to the states. In the matter of healthcare, it has become increasingly clear that the government’s role is not only unnecessary but also detrimental to effective policy making.

Trump’s Pseudo-Healthcare Plan: Noise, Not Substance

Tracing the latest claims from the Trump administration, it’s evident that the president is unwilling to take definitive action. Even with the looming threat of potential COVID-related deaths, Trump has only a little over three months to devise a healthcare plan. However, given his past actions, holding your breath for any significant change is a futile endeavor. The president’s inaction, especially on addressing pre-existing conditions and negotiating drug prices for Medicare, showcases a lack of genuine intent to resolve these critical issues.

A Comparison with Biden’s Vision

Contrastingly, President Joe Biden has taken a more proactive and detailed approach. His healthcare plans aim to not only address the immediate needs of Americans but also lay the groundwork for a more robust and equitable healthcare system. Here are some key differences:

Medicaid Expansion and Cost Reduction

Under Biden's plan, Medicaid will be expanded to cover an additional 20 million poor Americans. This expansion would greatly increase access to healthcare, ensuring that more individuals have coverage. Instead of relying on vague and unenforceable orders, Biden proposes concrete measures to lower the Medicare age to 60, benefiting an estimated 15-20 million more people. This age reduction would ensure that older Americans can enjoy preventive healthcare and avoid the financial strain of expensive doctor visits.

ACA and Portability of Insurance Plans

Biden's vision also includes shoring up the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to keep 20 million people covered, bringing the total to 25-30 million. This would ensure that the ACA remains a reliable and accessible form of healthcare coverage. Moreover, his plan emphasizes the portability of health insurance plans, allowing individuals to change jobs without losing their healthcare coverage. This move is crucial in providing greater flexibility and security to the workforce.

Addressing Pre-Existing Conditions and Pharmaceutical Prices

Biden's plan is far more comprehensive in addressing pre-existing conditions. Unlike Trump's vague and unhelpful statements, Biden’s policies aim to remove pre-existing conditions as a barrier to healthcare access. Additionally, his proposal to negotiate drug prices for Medicare is a significant move towards fairer pricing and reduced financial burden for patients. Unlike Trump, who during his time in office did nothing to address the 2002 Bush act that prohibited Medicare from negotiating drug prices, Biden proposes to rectify this oversight and bring down pharmaceutical costs.

The Future of Healthcare Under Trump vs. Biden

The stark contrast between Trump's inaction and Biden's actionable plans highlights the urgent need for immediate reform. The offhand suggestion by Trump to put 20 million people without health care onto the street is alarming. In sharp contrast, Biden's detailed proposals aim to build a sustainable and just healthcare system that covers the full population and protects the most vulnerable. This includes incremental reforms such as extending Medicaid, lowering the Medicare age, and discontinuing the 2002 Bush act prohibition on negotiating drug prices.

Your Choice: Trump or Biden?

With Bombas Barrett's potential nomination to the Supreme Court, the stakes are even higher. The judiciary could play a pivotal role in shaping healthcare policies. Critics question whether there truly is a choice, or if Biden's proposals are clearly the better option. Critics argue that Trump's actions during his presidency, and his continued lack of a clear healthcare plan, make Biden's vision the more sensible and ideal path forward.

For those seeking a more equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare system, Biden's proposals offer a compelling roadmap for the future. The time to act is now, and the difference between two vastly different approaches stands clear. The ultimate question is whether the United States will continue on a path of inefficiency and division, or embrace a vision of unity and progress under Biden's leadership.