Healthcare Takes Center Stage in President’s National Address
In his State of the Union address delivered on February 7, 2023, President Joe Biden placed healthcare policy at the forefront of his legislative agenda, using the national platform to celebrate recent progress and press for continued reform. Addressing a joint session of Congress, Biden emphasized measures to reduce prescription drug costs, expand access to affordable insurance, and build on pandemic-era health initiatives.
Framing healthcare as both a moral obligation and economic imperative, Biden pointed to bipartisan legislative achievements and called for sustained momentum to improve the well-being of American families. “Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” the President asserted, drawing applause from lawmakers and the public alike.
Insulin Price Cap: A Milestone and a Proposal
One of the speech’s most lauded achievements was the successful implementation of a $35 monthly insulin cap for Medicare beneficiaries, a provision that took effect in January 2023 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Biden noted that this reform was already making a tangible difference in the lives of millions of seniors with diabetes who had previously struggled to afford this life-saving medication.
However, he made it clear that the job is not done. “Let’s finish the job this time. Let’s cap the cost of insulin for everyone, not just seniors,” Biden urged, highlighting the high out-of-pocket costs still faced by younger Americans with diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, some individuals without price protections have paid upwards of $1,000 per month for insulin.
Biden’s proposal to expand the insulin cap to all Americans, regardless of insurance status or age, drew support from advocacy groups and renewed calls in Congress for broader price regulation.
Prescription Drug Pricing and ACA Subsidies
In addition to insulin pricing, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to lowering the cost of prescription medications across the board. He cited provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that allow Medicare to negotiate prices for certain high-cost drugs—a reform long sought by consumer health advocates and budget watchdogs.
Biden also called for permanently extending enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which were temporarily boosted during the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed through 2025. These subsidies have dramatically reduced premium costs for millions of Americans, and Biden urged Congress to solidify them as a permanent fixture of federal health policy.
“Thanks to these enhanced tax credits, nearly 15 million people are saving an average of $800 a year,” Biden said. “We cannot let these gains slip away.”
Continued Focus on COVID-19 and Public Health Infrastructure
Although much of the healthcare discussion looked forward, the President also addressed the ongoing impact of COVID-19. He acknowledged the progress made in vaccinations, testing, and treatment, but emphasized the need for continued vigilance and investment in public health systems.
Biden reaffirmed support for long COVID research, pandemic preparedness, and improved coordination among federal health agencies. He advocated for better surveillance systems and strengthened supply chains for essential medical equipment, citing the need to avoid repeating the shortages experienced in the early stages of the pandemic.
Reception and Political Context
The health policy segments of Biden’s address were widely covered by media and advocacy groups. KFF Health News and Verywell Health praised the speech’s focus on equity and access, while also noting the political hurdles to achieving broader drug pricing reform. Republican lawmakers showed mixed reactions, with some praising the insulin cap for seniors while expressing caution about extending price controls more broadly.
Still, the President’s tone was one of optimism and persistence, as he urged Congress to work together to ensure Americans no longer have to choose between paying for medication and paying their bills.
Source:
KFF Health News – Biden Emphasizes Health Policy in State of the Union