On today’s episode of the I AM BIO Podcast, Phyllis Arthur, BIO’s VP of Infectious Disease Policy, chatted with BIO’s government relations team about the election results. Here’s what it means for key health care issues—and for science.
Catch me up on congressional results. The “blue wave” predicted by many polls didn’t pan out. The House remains controlled by Democrats; the Senate is TBD following runoff elections in Georgia, but either way will be “narrowly divided,” said Jeanne Haggerty, BIO’s EVP of Advocacy.
Similarly, in the states, we thought we’d see legislatures flip from Republicans to Democrats, but that didn’t happen, said Patrick Plues, BIO’s VP of State Government Affairs—and Republicans even picked up New Hampshire. Meanwhile, some chambers lost moderates as the “more strident” Republicans/Democrats won seats.
What are the implications for the health care system? The Supreme Court is considering the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)—and whatever the outcome, the Biden administration and divided Congress will need to work together to find solutions.
If the entire law is struck down, 20 million people could lose insurance in the middle of the pandemic and economic crisis—and the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA), which creates a pathway for biosimilars, could be deemed invalid.
And even if the Supreme Court upholds the ACA, drug pricing will need to be addressed in the next 2-4 years, added Jeanne. Likewise, in the states, expect issues with prescription drug pricing and state budgets, too, said Patrick.
What does Biden need to do RIGHT NOW? “Have a plan, be transparent, and be consistent with information,” said Jeanne. “Put together a clear, concise national plan” to help governors “distribute and allocate the vaccines as quickly and efficiently as possible so they get to the people who need them the most and the quickest,” added Patrick.
He also has to rebuild trust in science: “The American public has to trust that when products are approved by the FDA, they are safe and effective for Americans and for the entire world,” concluded Jeanne.
“We may not agree on all issues, but I think we agree that trust in science has to be sacrosanct,” she said.
Listen to the whole thing at www.bio.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcast fix, including Apple, Google, or Spotify.
More Health Care News:
The New York Times: Pfizer’s early data shows vaccine is more than 90% effective
“If the results hold up, that level of protection would put it on par with highly effective childhood vaccines for diseases such as measles. No serious safety concerns have been observed, the company said.” [Pfizer’s Statement]