Summary
This week, the Democratic party convened for its virtual National Convention and formally adopted its 2020 Party Platform. The attached memo examines the health care policies and priorities articulated by the party and by its presidential nominee, former Vice President Joseph Biden. Vice President Biden’s health care plan is largely defined by the intention to preserve and build upon the Obama-Biden Administration’s Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA); however, key tenants of the plan have also been informed by joint input solicited from representatives of the Bernie Sanders (I-VT) campaign, as well as recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the movement for racial equity.
Within the memo, a chart presents the proposals from the 2020 Democratic platform alongside – where available – the corresponding approach taken by the Trump Administration. It concludes with a look at the people known to be advising Vice President Biden on matters of health care, who may also be contenders for future appointments within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).