Key Health Policy Developments in 2024: Prescription Drug Prices, Medicare, and Medicaid Expansion

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 As we head into December 2024, significant decisions regarding the U.S. healthcare system remain on the horizon. From prescription drug pricing reforms to the future of Medicare and Medicaid, several key issues are set to shape the healthcare landscape in the coming years. Here’s a look at some of the most pressing developments.

Tackling Prescription Drug Prices: Transparency and Reforms

Prescription drug prices continue to be a central focus in U.S. healthcare policy. In 2023, Congress passed the Lower Costs, More Transparency (LCMT) Act, aimed at increasing transparency within the prescription drug market. The legislation seeks to clarify pricing mechanisms and reduce the hidden costs that often burden consumers, focusing on pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and insurers. Despite these strides, challenges persist, particularly regarding the rebate structures used by PBMs, which critics argue contribute to inflated drug costs. Moving forward, additional legislative efforts will be required to address these complexities and ensure meaningful reductions in drug prices 【10】【11】​. 

Medicare and Telehealth: Maintaining Access and Flexibility

Telehealth services, which saw rapid expansion during the COVID-19 pandemic, are facing a crucial turning point in 2024. With temporary pandemic-era policies set to expire, Congress must decide whether to make telehealth provisions permanent, particularly the flexibility around geographic and originating site requirements. For rural and underserved populations, maintaining these relaxed requirements is essential for continued access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the future of Medicare Advantage, a privatized option for beneficiaries, remains under scrutiny. Lawmakers are investigating concerns about marketing practices and ensuring that the benefits offered by these plans are fair and transparent​【11】.

Medicaid Expansion: A Critical Issue for Vulnerable Populations

Medicaid expansion remains a contentious issue, particularly in states that have not yet adopted it. Expanding Medicaid has been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce financial hardship for low-income individuals. However, political disagreements between federal and state governments continue to create obstacles. Some lawmakers are advocating for increased financial incentives to encourage states to expand Medicaid coverage, which could benefit millions of Americans. The outcome of these discussions will have long-lasting implications for the health and economic security of vulnerable populations across the country​ 【10】【12】.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of the 2024 Elections on Healthcare

The outcome of the 2024 elections will significantly influence the future of U.S. healthcare policy. The positions of presidential candidates on issues like drug pricing, Medicaid expansion, and telehealth will shape the direction of legislative action in 2025 and beyond. As the political landscape shifts, healthcare will remain a top priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, and the decisions made in the coming months will likely determine the trajectory of reforms for years to come​ 【10】.

These critical healthcare issues will continue to drive political debate, requiring balanced policymaking to ensure both access to care and the financial sustainability of the system.

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