Vice President Kamala Harris has announced her intention to seek the Democratic nomination following President Biden’s decision not to run for reelection. Known for her progressive health policy stances, Harris is expected to align closely with Biden’s healthcare achievements.
Harris aims to build on Biden’s health successes, such as the $35 insulin cap, Medicare drug price negotiations, and the out-of-pocket cap on Medicare drug coverage. Her strong communication skills may enhance the promotion of these policies.
“It is the Biden-Harris administration. They have worked together on these issues throughout his presidency,” said Debbie Curtis, a vice president at McDermott+ consulting. “There is complete unity here.”
Key Health Issues
Abortion
Abortion remains a crucial issue for Democrats. While Biden’s stance has been inconsistent, Harris has emerged as a staunch advocate for abortion rights. Following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, she traveled nationwide, engaging with activists, providers, and affected women.
Harris made history as the first vice president to visit an abortion provider, earning endorsements from abortion rights groups once Biden stepped aside. “Vice President Harris is our most powerful advocate and messenger on this issue,” said Jessica Mackler, President of EMILYs List.
In her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris proposed federal measures to safeguard abortion access, requiring states with restrictive histories to get Justice Department approval for new laws. Her long-standing support for abortion rights dates back to her tenure as California’s attorney general.
ObamaCare
During the 2019 Democratic primary, Harris positioned herself between moderates like Biden and progressives such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. She endorsed Sanders’ Medicare for All bill but also supported moderate alternatives, including a private option plan.
Although her mixed approach drew criticism and impacted her campaign, Harris remains committed to expanding ObamaCare and making healthcare affordable. Experts predict this will be a significant issue in Congress in 2025.
“Harris’ previous support for Medicare for All with a private insurance option reflects her values, but it may not be a major focus in her current campaign,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health policy at KFF. He expects Harris to emphasize the Biden-Harris record on healthcare over her past proposals.
Drug Pricing
As a presidential candidate, Harris advocated for capping U.S. drug prices to the lowest levels negotiated by other countries. She also supported “march-in” rights, allowing the government to seize patents of expensive drugs developed with federal research to make them affordable.
While progressives push for this authority, the Biden administration has been hesitant to act. Harris’s stance on drug pricing highlights her commitment to reducing costs and increasing competition.
Health Costs
Harris has a history of addressing health care consolidation and taking on major insurers, hospitals, and drug companies. As California’s attorney general, she pursued antitrust actions and secured settlements from corporations accused of Medicaid fraud.
In her role as vice president, Harris has led initiatives on medical debt. She announced new rules banning medical debt from credit reports, emphasizing that no one should be denied economic opportunity due to medical emergencies.
Other efforts to reduce medical debt include the No Surprises Act, which took effect in July 2022, preventing surprise billing for most emergency and out-of-network non-emergency services.
