In a comprehensive address delivered at 2:06 P.M. EDT, President Joe Biden tackled a range of issues central to healthcare and economic fairness in the United States. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd, the President underscored the administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce healthcare costs, challenge big pharma, protect Medicare and Social Security, and ensure tax fairness.
“I’m doing everything I can to lower the healthcare cost to provide people with peace of mind,” stated Biden, emphasizing that the goal was to make healthcare costs fair without disadvantaging medical professionals or pharmaceutical companies.
Highlighting the personal stories of Americans like Rose, a 22-year-old born with cystic fibrosis, Biden addressed the burden of high medicine costs on families. He made a compelling argument for the importance of accessible healthcare, pointing out the dire choices some have to make to afford medical bills—choices that could involve selling a house or taking on debt.
One of the most significant measures Biden touted was the Inflation Reduction Act, which imposes a $2,000 annual cap on prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare and a $35 monthly cap for insulin. He announced his ambition to extend these caps to all Americans, not just seniors, which could be “transformational.”
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, “we finally beat Big Pharma,” Biden said, revealing the legislative achievement of capping drug costs which had historically been left unchecked.
Furthermore, Biden addressed tax equity, criticizing the previous administration’s tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations which, according to him, “exploded the federal deficit.” He pledged to continue fighting for a tax system that ensures the wealthy pay their fair share.
“I’m not anti-corporation… But I’m a capitalist, man. Make all the money you want, just begin to pay your fair share of taxes,” insisted Biden, advocating for economic fairness.
In defense of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, the President vowed to protect it against any attempts at repeal. The ACA’s protection for people with preexisting conditions was particularly celebrated, with Biden recalling the critical vote cast by the late Senator John McCain to safeguard the law.
Biden’s speech also encompassed a broader critique of opposition strategies around Social Security, Medicare, and healthcare, warning of the potential consequences should these platforms face cuts under future administrations.
As the address concluded, the President shifted to a more hopeful tone, expressing optimism about the nation’s direction and the possibility of healthcare becoming a right, not a privilege, in America.
“I’ve never been more optimistic about our future… We’re moving into a future where healthcare is a right, not a privilege, in America,” Biden articulated, outlining a vision of equitable access to healthcare.
The White House promises continued updates on how the Biden administration is advancing its agenda for the American people. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and engage through opting in for text messages from President Biden.
2:22 P.M. EDT, Washington, D.C.