Wyden and Welch Introduce Legislation to Repeal "Sick Tax" and Big Pharma Handouts

Strategic Insights -

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Peter Welch, D-Vt., have introduced legislation to repeal changes to Medicaid cost-sharing requirements and handouts to Big Pharma in the Republicans' reconciliation tax and spending bill. The Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act would address the "sick tax" imposed by Trump and congressional Republicans' recently passed budget bill, which forces Medicaid enrollees to pay an out-of-pocket fee every time they need to see a health provider.

The legislation aims to correct the harm caused by the Trump administration's healthcare policies, which have pushed millions of Americans to lose health insurance coverage and increased healthcare costs for those who are already struggling. The bill would also repeal provisions that exclude certain drugs from the Medicare drug price negotiation program and allow pharmaceutical companies to evade accountability for high-price prescription drugs. Wyden and Welch's efforts are endorsed by Patients for Affordable Drugs and Protect Our Care, who highlight the need to address the ongoing issues with healthcare costs and access.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act would repeal the "sick tax" imposed by Trump and congressional Republicans, forcing Medicaid enrollees to pay an out-of-pocket fee every time they need to see a health provider.
  • The bill would also repeal provisions that exclude certain drugs from the Medicare drug price negotiation program, allowing pharmaceutical companies to evade accountability for high-price prescription drugs.
  • Over 15 million Americans stand to lose health insurance coverage as a result of Trumpcare, representing the largest-ever loss of health insurance coverage due to federal policy.
  • The bill is set to drastically raise health care costs for hardworking families and weaken Medicare's ability to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors.
  • Patients who are unable to afford the new "sick tax" may choose to forgo care, making them sicker and often in need of even more expensive health care later.
  • The bill is endorsed by Patients for Affordable Drugs and Protect Our Care, who highlight the need to address ongoing issues with healthcare costs and access.
  • Senators Welch and Wyden's efforts aim to correct the harm caused by the Trump administration's healthcare policies and promote affordable healthcare for working families.

Statistics:

  • Over 15 million Americans stand to lose health insurance coverage as a result of Trumpcare.
  • Trump's "sick tax" would raise out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid enrollees and force them to pay up to $35 per service before they can see a provider or visit a hospital.
  • The ORPHAN Cures Act was an unnecessary $5 billion handout to Big Pharma, which Senators Welch and Wyden's bill aims to repeal.
  • Prescription drug prices and out-of-pocket costs are set to skyrocket for those who can least afford it, leaving them nowhere to turn for life-saving medications and care.

Sources:

  • Wyden, R., & Welch, P. (2023). Wyden, Welch Lead Bill to Repeal Trump 'Sick Tax' and Big Pharma Handouts in 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. Retrieved from https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-welch-lead-bill-to-repeal-trump-sick-tax-and-big-pharma-handouts-in-one-big-beautiful-bill