Donald Trump rescinded the Biden-Harris executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug costs, reversing efforts to increase affordability. This action aligns with Trump’s past proposals to cut spending on entitlement programs like Medicare and Medicaid, prioritizing the interests of Big Pharma over those of American citizens. His previous budgets included substantial cuts to these programs, contradicting his public statements. This reversal demonstrates a consistent pattern of favoring wealthy donors and corporations at the expense of social welfare.
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House Republicans proposed a draft agreement including $2.5 trillion in mandatory spending cuts to raise the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion. This plan, revealed in a closed-door meeting, targets programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, despite legal limitations on directly cutting Social Security through the proposed reconciliation process. Critics argue these cuts are intended to fund tax cuts for the wealthy, with the only way to meet the proposed spending reductions being drastic cuts to major social programs. The plan underscores concerns about prioritizing tax cuts for corporations and billionaires over vital social safety nets.
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Congressional Republicans, influenced by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are prioritizing massive tax cuts for the wealthy, funded by drastic cuts to social programs. This plan, mirroring past failed attempts, relies on unsubstantiated claims of efficiency improvements and ignores readily available avenues for genuine cost savings. The proposed cuts disproportionately target programs like Medicare and Social Security, despite public support for alternative solutions like increased taxes on the wealthy. Ultimately, DOGE serves as a political cover for budget slashing and dismantling social safety nets.
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Following the November election, Republicans secured control of both the House and Senate, giving them the power to shape the national agenda. Despite campaigning on issues like inflation and immigration, congressional Republicans are prioritizing cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, potentially saving hundreds of billions of dollars. This plan, however, contradicts their campaign promises and would disproportionately harm seniors and working-class Americans while potentially benefiting the wealthy through further tax cuts. Republicans’ narrow five-seat majority in the House, further reduced by Trump’s cabinet appointments, makes passing their agenda highly precarious.
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Despite Trump’s past campaign promises to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, his proposed budgets consistently sought to cut these programs. His incoming OMB director, Russell Vought, and a new “Department of Government Efficiency” plan to slash government spending, potentially circumventing Congress through executive action. This mirrors previous Republican attempts to dismantle these programs, though the current narrow House majority makes passage uncertain. The possibility of using impoundment to bypass Congressional spending allocations presents a significant risk to these entitlement programs.
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Former television personality and heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz has been nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz, a MAGA supporter, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the programs, focusing on disease prevention and eliminating waste and fraud. This appointment follows the tenure of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and replaces Seema Verma, whose time at CMS was marked by controversy. Oz’s appointment is expected to significantly impact healthcare policy for millions of Americans.
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President-elect Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Oz, a former heart surgeon and unsuccessful Senate candidate, will collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, to address the “illness industrial complex.” This nomination, if confirmed by the Senate, would place Oz in charge of programs providing health insurance to over half the U.S. population, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. This appointment follows other Trump nominations of well-known media figures.
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Kamala Harris has agreed to participate in a CNN town hall, and I couldn’t be more excited. It’s an opportunity for her to share her vision for a New Way Forward for our country. The fact that she is willing to step up and face tough questions shows her strength as a leader.
I hope that during the town hall, Harris will take the opportunity to promote her addition of homecare to Medicare policy. This is a game changer for so many people, and it’s important that she highlights this during the event. It’s these kinds of policies that truly make a difference in people’s lives and set her apart as a candidate.… Continue reading
As someone who works in the healthcare industry, specifically in the realm of pharmaceuticals, the recent announcement by Medicare regarding the lowered prices on 10 common, high-cost drugs is monumental. The impact of these price reductions cannot be understated, particularly for older individuals who rely on these medications to manage various health conditions.
One of the most significant changes is the cost reduction for direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban and rivaroxaban, essential for post-hospital care. The cost decrease of 55% and 60% respectively is a game-changer for patients who have had to resort to less optimal options like warfarin due to high prices.… Continue reading
As a boomer myself, I can understand the surprise strength that my generation is showing for Biden in this election cycle. While there may be a perception that all boomers are staunch Republicans, the reality is quite different. Many of us remember the Cold War, pre-Trump Republicans, and the fight for civil rights and equality. These memories shape our political views and drive us towards candidates who prioritize social security, Medicare, healthcare, and other critical issues that affect our daily lives.
I have seen firsthand the benefits of quality healthcare, as my mother was able to detect and successfully treat breast cancer early due to regular screenings and advances in medical technology.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker