On July 30, Senate Finance Committee Democrats released a policy paper discussing ways to get to universal, affordable health care coverage. The committee is also asking for input on these and other ways to achieve universal coverage of health care.
This policy paper is another in a series of health issues that the Committee’s Democrats plan to focus on in 2027, particularly if Democrats take control of the Senate from Republicans. Also on the agenda is a focus on ways to make long-term care more available and more affordable for the nation’s aging population.
In this policy paper, the Democrats say they will look at:
Restoring the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cutbacks enacted by the GOP in recent years.
Creating a public option (a government-sponsored health insurance plan) within the ACA’s menu of coverage choices.
A Medicare-for-All plan (i.e., opening up Medicare to everyone, regardless of age).
Expansion of Medicaid coverage.
A single-payer health care system.
The policy paper does not specify which proposals Democrats will pursue if they take charge of the legislative process next year, but does specify certain actions that seem likely to top the list of legislative changes they will seek. These include elimination of expanded short-term limited-duration (STLD) health plans, implementation of maximum out-of-pocket cost caps, filling in gaps in coverage in States that did not expand their Medicaid programs through the ACA, restoration of enhanced ACA premium subsidies, drug pricing proposals, expanding ACA marketplace eligibility rules, and eliminating the recently-enacted Medicaid work requirements.
The policy paper is posted at finance.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/073026_sfc_health_coverage_rfi.pdf.
Prospects: The likelihood of any of these proposals getting serious legislative attention next year depends greatly on the make-up of the 120th Congress in January. Of course it matters whether Democrats gain control of the House and/or Senate, but also key will be the make-up of any such majorities, if they happen. The more far-left progressive Democrats elected (or, conversely, the more far-right Republicans defeated), the greater the chances for any of these proposals. But, it is worth noting that President Trump will remain in the White House, so action that goes beyond “the margins” may be stymied by Trump opposition/veto power. So this is a long-term strategy that will be heavily influenced by the size and strength of Congress’ extreme wings (right and left) in 2027, and by who wins the Presidency in 2028.
NAIFA Staff Contacts: Mike Hedge – Senior Director – Government Relations, at mhedge@naifa.org, or Jayne Fitzgerald – Director – Government Relations, at jfitzgerald@naifa.org