On Wednesday, President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders joined forces to showcase the administration’s efforts to reduce healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries. The event at the Indian Treaty Room at the White House aimed to highlight Biden’s legislative accomplishments to voters before the November elections.
Both Biden and Sanders emphasized the benefits of the Democrats’ extensive climate, healthcare, and tax package signed into law in 2022. This legislation includes caps on various healthcare costs for Medicare beneficiaries, such as $35 per month for insulin and $2,000 annually for prescription drugs. Notably, no Republican lawmakers supported this law. Despite the popularity of Biden’s achievements in lowering healthcare costs, he has yet to receive full credit from voters.
Furthermore, Biden and Sanders highlighted their collaborative efforts to hold major inhaler manufacturers accountable by ensuring that these devices are priced at no more than $35 per month. Without insurance, inhalers can cost anywhere between $200 and $600 each. Sanders expressed his appreciation for Biden’s actions on this issue thus far and expressed eagerness to continue working together on future endeavors.
Sanders also praised Biden’s actions on other issues such as climate change and social justice. After Sanders withdrew from the race during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, his team collaborated with Biden’s campaign officials to shape a party platform aligned with Sanders’ values and priorities. This collaboration has led to significant progress in several policy areas that reflect Sanders’ influence on Democratic politics.
In conclusion, despite past rivalries between Sanders and Biden during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, they have come together to advance policies that reflect their shared vision of a better America for all citizens. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in significant progress in several policy areas that will benefit millions of Americans who rely on government-funded programs like Medicare for affordable healthcare coverage.
