https://mailchi.mp/9e0c56723d09/the-weekly-gist-july-8-2022?e=d1e747d2d8

Senate Democrats have reached a deal to give Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, starting next year. The legislation includes provisions similar to those in the Build Back Better (BBB) Act, such as capping seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 per year and limiting how fast drugmakers can raise prices.

This smaller package has support from moderate Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), who blocked passage of the BBB last year. Manchin is reportedly open to using some of the estimated $1T in revenue from prescription drug negotiations to fund an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurer tax credits, which are set to expire this year. 

The Gist: With a closely divided Senate and competing priorities, Democrats have been unable to pass significant healthcare reform since taking control in 2021. 

If all 50 Senate Democrats can coalesce around this deal, it could pass under reconciliation rules without Republican support, allowing the party to deliver on its longstanding promise to lower prescription drug prices. 

It would also help Democrats avoid a problematic “October surprise”: consumers receiving notices that their health insurance and drug plan premiums will be increasing just weeks ahead of the midterm elections.