On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders joined forces to promote the administration’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs. The event took place at the Indian Treaty Room at the White House, where Biden acknowledged the long-standing fight that he and Sanders have had for 25 years.
During the event, both Biden and Sanders discussed their efforts to pressure major inhaler manufacturers to limit the cost of inhalers to no more than $35 a month. Currently, without insurance, the purchase price of inhalers ranges from $200 to $600, which they aim to reduce significantly. Sanders expressed his gratitude towards President Biden for his actions on this issue and expressed optimism about their future collaboration in tackling healthcare costs.
President Biden signed into law in 2022 a sweeping climate, health care, and tax package that includes measures aimed at reducing healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries. The law caps the maximum health care costs for those on Medicare, including $35 a month for insulin and $2,000 a year for prescription drugs. No Republican lawmakers voted for this law, but Biden’s aides and Democratic officials are confident that his achievements in lowering health care costs will resonate with the public, even though Biden has not yet received the credit he deserves from voters.
Sanders was an independent from Vermont who ran as a Democrat during his presidential campaign in 2020. He and Biden were rivals during the primary season but later worked together to develop a party policy platform that reflected Sanders’ influence after he ended his bid. This event showcased their continued partnership in advancing healthcare initiatives that benefit American people.
In conclusion, President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders teamed up on Wednesday to promote their administration’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs. They discussed their plans to limit the cost of inhalers and other medication needs while acknowledging their long-standing rivalry as political opponents during the 2020 presidential election season.
Their shared goal is now focused on making sure Americans have access to affordable healthcare options through legislation aimed at capping medication prices under Medicare plans such as insulin at $35 per month or less. Despite political differences earlier in their careers, it seems they are now working together toward creating a better future for all Americans by advocating for affordable healthcare accessibility.
