SHOT: Donald Trump and JD Vance repeatedly promised on the campaign trail and in office to protect Medicare and lower prescription drug costs for seniors…
- Trump: “I will not, under any circumstances, allow either of these two precious gems to be even touched under a Trump administration…you will always have your Medicare.”
- Trump: “We’re going to protect our great seniors, and I will never let anyone touch your Medicare or your Social Security.”
- Trump: “[W]e are doing absolutely nothing to hurt Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security. Nothing at all.”
- Vance: “We want to protect Medicare.”
- Vance: “[W]e care so much about lowering the costs of prescriptions.”
CHASER: …Trump and Vance are ending Medicare Part D subsidies, raising prescription drug costs for millions of Americans and seniors.
Yesterday, the Trump-Vance administration announced it would end Medicare Part D subsidies, raising prescription drug costs for more than 11 million Americans. Trump and Republicans already cut Medicaid by nearly $1 TRILLION — the largest cut to healthcare in history — which is projected to leave 15 million people uninsured when combined with other changes. Trump and Republicans also refused to extend the popular enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits, causing insurance premiums to increase by an average of 58%, and premiums are expected to spike by double digits again in 2027.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
“Donald Trump and JD Vance vowed to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and once again they are breaking their promises and abandoning seniors. Since Trump and Vance took office, Republicans have made the largest cuts to healthcare in history — making it impossible for everyday Americans to make ends meet. As mounting healthcare bills get even more expensive for working families and seniors, Trump and his family are getting even richer while his wealthy donors rake in massive tax cuts.”
According to polling, a whopping 93% of seniors approve of Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Meanwhile, another poll found that nearly 60% of U.S. adults say they are worried about being able to afford prescription drugs — and about one in five Medicare enrollees say they are “very worried” about affording their prescription drugs. An estimated 39 million Americans already say they have stretched out doses of medications in the past year to afford their healthcare costs.
