Earlier this week, the Democratic Party adopted its 2016 Platform, which includes a number of policy positions related to health care. The document states that it supports a public option in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and those over 55 should be able to opt in to Medicare. The platform also supports empowering states to use innovation waivers under the ACA to develop local approaches to health coverage, which would include removing barriers for states that wish to experiment with plans to provide health care to every person in their state.
The document also calls for ending surprise billing and other practices that lead to out-of-control medical debt. The platform also addresses health care costs by supporting the repeal of the excise tax on high-cost health insurance, making premiums more affordable and reducing out-of-pocket expenses. The platform also calls for various other health care reforms.
Regarding prescription drugs, the platform states that it will crack down on price gouging and cap out-of-pocket costs. In addition, it states that it will prohibit anti-competitive “pay for delay” deals that keep generic drugs off the market, and will allow individuals, pharmacists, and wholesalers to import prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada and other countries with appropriate safety precautions.
The platform also addresses other health care issues, including:
- Medical research
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Mental health
- Reproductive health
- Violence against women
- Gun violence
