Key Healthcare Takeaways from President Biden’s First Address Before Congress

Last Wednesday, President Biden delivered his first joint address before Congress. He directly noted the importance of seniors receiving care in their own homes, and stated that regardless of political party, a concern for countless Americans is taking care of elderly loved ones. Biden also reminded us that: “Two million women have dropped out of the workforce during this pandemic, too often because they couldn’t get the care they need for their family… and 800,000 families are on a Medicaid waiting list right now to get home care for their aging parent or loved one with a disability.” 

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The American Jobs Plan also calls for the expansion of the Money Follows the Person program. This allows for Medicaid beneficiaries to transition more smoothly from a nursing home back into their own homes.

​He made several other comments regarding healthcare, including: 

• Allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs.
• Lowering deductibles on the Affordable Care Act.
• Investing in health research for illnesses like cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.