President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump recently participated in a debate where they discussed various topics such as abortion, drug pricing, and immigration. This debate was hosted by CNN and moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The debate was civil and allowed each candidate to express their views without constant interruptions.
During the debate, both candidates made claims regarding their achievements and plans for the future. Biden mentioned that his administration had brought down the price of prescription drugs, specifically mentioning insulin. He stated that the price of an insulin shot had been reduced to $15, which was later corrected to $35. This reduction in insulin costs was part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. On the other hand, Trump claimed credit for lowering insulin costs for seniors through the Part D Senior Savings Model. However, this program only covered a limited number of insulin types and dosages, unlike Biden’s mandatory $35 monthly insulin cap that applies to all Medicare prescription plans.
In terms of healthcare policies, Trump stated that he did not intend to repeal FDA approval for medication abortion, which was used in two-thirds of U.S. abortions last year. He also mentioned that he supported the Supreme Court’s decision to approve the abortion pill. However, Biden criticized Trump’s stance on abortion, stating that it had been a terrible decision.
When it comes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Trump claimed that he was not seeking to dismantle the ACA but rather improve it and make it less expensive. However, he did not provide specific details on how he planned to achieve this. On the other hand, Biden accused Trump of wanting to get rid of the ACA again, highlighting the president’s previous promises to repeal and replace the healthcare law.
In terms of immigration, Trump made claims that the influx of immigrants into the country would strain social security and healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. However, experts have debunked this claim, stating that Social Security’s fiscal challenges stem from a shortage of workers compared to beneficiaries, not immigration.
Overall, the debate between Biden and Trump shed light on their differing views on important healthcare issues such as drug pricing, abortion policies, and the future of the ACA. It is essential for voters to critically evaluate these claims and proposals to make informed decisions in the upcoming election.
