In a controversial move, Donald Trump has rolled back a key Biden-Harris administration policy aimed at reducing prescription drug costs for Americans. The executive order, originally signed by President Joe Biden, was designed to combat skyrocketing drug prices by holding Big Pharma accountable.
Now, Trump’s decision to rescind this order is raising alarms among advocates and everyday Americans.
What Was the Biden-Harris Order About?
The Biden-Harris executive order, known as Executive Order 14087: Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans, directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to develop innovative payment models that reduce costs while maintaining high-quality care. This policy aimed to tackle drug affordability, providing relief to millions of families relying on Medicare and Medicaid.
By repealing this order, Trump has opened the door for pharmaceutical companies to prioritize profits over patients.
A History of Attacking Social Safety Nets
Donald Trump’s record on healthcare speaks volumes. While in office, he proposed massive budget cuts to Medicare and Medicaid multiple times, despite his campaign promises to protect these programs.
Here’s a breakdown of Trump’s actions:
- Proposed Cuts to Entitlements: Trump repeatedly suggested cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid in his budgets for fiscal years 2018–2021.
- Preventing Lower Drug Costs: Trump’s Commerce Department proposed restricting “march-in rights,” a legal tool that allows the government to lower drug prices for taxpayer-funded products.
- Medicaid Rollbacks: Trump’s administration allowed states to cap Medicaid spending, reducing coverage for millions of low-income families.
Criticism from Healthcare Advocates
DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd didn’t mince words:
“Donald Trump is already following through on his dangerous plans to jack up the costs of drugs to appease his billionaire backers… Trump is again proving that he lied to the American people and doesn’t care about lowering costs – only what’s best for himself and his ultra-rich friends.”
These changes represent a significant reversal of the progress made under the Biden-Harris administration, which took bold steps to address Big Pharma’s grip on drug prices.
What’s at Stake for Americans?
Millions of families rely on Medicare and Medicaid to afford essential medications. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies provided a pathway toward affordability, but Trump’s rollbacks risk returning the system to one that prioritizes corporate profits over public health.
As Trump eyes another presidential term, his actions signal a troubling trajectory for American healthcare, leaving families to shoulder rising costs.