To Win in November, Democrats Should Pass Medicare Reforms
By Dahlia Lyss and Danielle Deiseroth
After months of negotiations, Democrats are one step closer to realizing a key legislative goal: reforming Medicare to make healthcare more affordable. This proposal would give Medicare the power to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices, and also cap out-of-pocket drug prices at $2,000 per year for people covered by Medicare.
A new Data For Progress poll finds that these measures are overwhelmingly popular among voters nationwide. Wide majorities of voters support stabilizing monthly healthcare costs, allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, and capping prescription drug costs.
Voters Support Making Healthcare More Affordable
When asked for their opinions on the measures included in the Senate Democrats’ bill, voters express high levels of support. In fact, the least popular of the measures still has 71 percent support among voters.
We find that 81 percent of voters support allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices with pharmaceutical manufacturers, the bill’s central provision.
Support for Democratic Candidates Jump After Voters Learn About Medicare Policies
Though Democrats in Congress may not pass the entirety of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda, passing these Medicare reforms may aid them in the November midterm elections. Support for a generic Democrat running for Congress jumps once voters learn about Democrats’ plans to make Medicare more affordable. Initially, when asked who they would vote for if the election for U.S. Congress was held today, only 45 percent say they would vote for the Democratic candidate. However, after voters are told that Democrats support a proposal to lower prescription drug prices while Republicans oppose it, support for the Democratic candidate jumps 7 points to 52 percent.
Ultimately, these hugely popular measures would ensure that Americans can afford their prescription medications instead of skipping doses, cutting pills, or simply not filling prescriptions. While this bill is not nearly as expansive as is necessary to truly alleviate the financial strain caused by the cost of healthcare in America, it is a crucial first step. It is critical that lawmakers in Congress pass this bill to provide financial relief to millions of Americans.
Moreover, our findings suggest that passing this legislation could be a boost to Democrats as they seek to maintain their majorities in Congress. Democrats should champion this legislation and ensure these provisions remain in the upcoming reconciliation bill.
Dahlia Lyss is a research associate at Data for Progress.
Danielle Deiseroth (@danielledeis) is the Lead Climate Strategist at Data for Progress.