Democrats target health care costs as first priority in new Congress

Democrats plan to prioritize restoring Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversing Medicaid cuts when they take control of Congress next year, according to aides familiar with the strategy. The party aims to fulfill campaign promises on lowering health care costs, with Hakeem Jeffries, the expected next House speaker, pledging to fight the Medicaid reductions. However, legislation faces a 60-vote Senate hurdle unless Democrats use budget reconciliation, and President Donald Trump is likely to veto such efforts. Democrats hold a 20-point advantage over Republicans on health care costs, per KFF, and premiums on ACA exchanges are set to rise 15 percent next year. Party leaders are also considering broader proposals, including expanding Medicare drug negotiation and adding dental coverage, though internal divisions remain on the scope of government-run care.