WASHINGTON — In response to President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address today, Health Care for America Now Executive Director Margarida Jorge released the following statement:
President Biden’s proposals in his State of the Union address would significantly lower the cost of prescription drugs and insurance premiums, crucial steps to rein in out-of-pocket costs for families dealing with inflationary price increases for everyday necessities. The President also recognizes that corporations and the wealthiest Americans, who have seen their gains skyrocket during the pandemic, can do more to pay their fair share of taxes and support expanded access to health care and other services that help average families make ends meet.
President Biden has delivered on his promises to increase access to affordable health care, create jobs and update basic infrastructure like roads, broadband and water systems in his first year as president. As many as 5 million more Americans have gained access to health care, COVID-19 tests and vaccines have been distributed widely, and families around the country have received much-needed financial relief payments. What’s more, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act he signed will further boost our economy and provide long-overdue improvements in transportation, clean air and water and the expansion of telehealth services that make doctor’s appointments and treatments more convenient and accessible. Congress should finish the job by passing the rest of President Biden’s broadly popular proposals to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, close the Medicaid coverage gap and make affordable health care premiums permanent.
