The Biden Governance’s Public health Wins: Tackling Environmental Justice, Reproductive Rights, and More
Table of Contents
- The Biden Governance’s Public health Wins: Tackling Environmental Justice, Reproductive Rights, and More
- Biden Administration’s Health Care Reforms: Lower Drug Costs, Expanded Access, and Opioid Crisis Solutions
From the outset, President Biden’s administration faced a daunting array of public health challenges: the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs, the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a worsening climate crisis, and the ongoing opioid epidemic. in response, the administration has made significant strides in addressing these issues, achieving historic wins in areas such as environmental justice, reproductive health rights, gun safety, and health care affordability.
Here’s a closer look at some of the administration’s most impactful achievements.
Reducing Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals
Lead: A Legacy of Harm
One of the administration’s most notable efforts has been tackling lead exposure, a persistent public health threat.Approximately 9 million U.S. homes still recieve water through legacy lead pipes, which can cause developmental delays and lifelong health issues in children. Under Biden, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) moved to require all U.S.cities to replace these pipes within the next decade.
Additionally,the administration cracked down on lead paint,declaring any detectable amount of lead dust in homes hazardous. Despite being banned in 1978, lead-based paint remains in 31 million housing units—more than a third of all U.S. homes.
Asbestos: A Long-overdue Ban
Another major win came through Biden’s Cancer Moonshot project, which led to the EPA banning chrysotile asbestos, the only form of the chemical still used in the U.S. This marks the first significant federal action on asbestos in decades. the chemical, linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, is used in roofing materials, textiles, and automotive parts. While the EPA banned asbestos in 1989,the rule was largely overturned in a 1991 court decision. Today,the U.S. joins 50 other countries that have already banned the substance.
The administration also established new standards to reduce forever chemicals in drinking water, further safeguarding public health.
Protecting Vulnerable Communities
The Biden administration has prioritized reducing environmental health disparities, notably in vulnerable communities. According to Thomas Burke, PhD, MPH, an emeritus professor in Health Policy and Management, these efforts have “provided communities with infrastructure funds to strengthen resilience to extreme climate events.”
A cornerstone of this initiative is the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes the EPA Community Change Grants. This program represents the single largest investment in environmental justice in U.S. history, distributing $2 billion to projects that deploy clean energy, strengthen climate resilience, and address environmental and climate justice challenges.
Key Achievements at a Glance
| Initiative | Impact |
|————————————|—————————————————————————|
| Lead Pipe Replacement | Mandates replacement of lead pipes in 9 million homes within a decade. |
| Asbestos Ban | Bans chrysotile asbestos, the last form used in the U.S. |
| EPA Community Change Grants | Distributes $2 billion for environmental justice projects. |
| Forever Chemicals Regulation | Establishes new standards to reduce harmful chemicals in drinking water.|
A Legacy of Progress
The Biden administration’s public health initiatives have already made a tangible difference in the lives of millions of Americans. From reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals to investing in environmental justice, these efforts reflect a commitment to addressing long-standing inequities and safeguarding public health.
as the administration continues to tackle these challenges, its focus on climate resilience, health equity, and affordable health care will remain critical. For more on how these policies are shaping the future,explore the Inflation Reduction act and the EPA’s latest updates.
What’s Next?
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Shoring Up Abortion Access Post-Roe: A Look at Mifepristone and EMTALA
the Biden administration has taken significant steps to preserve access to abortion care in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. One of the most notable changes came from the FDA, which issued new rules allowing retail pharmacies to dispense the abortion medication mifepristone to individuals with a prescription. This marked a departure from previous regulations, which required the pills to be ordered, prescribed, and dispensed exclusively by certified healthcare providers.
The FDA’s decision also permitted mifepristone to be delivered by mail, a move that has been critical in expanding access to medication abortion, particularly in states with restrictive abortion laws. though, the future of these measures remains uncertain. As Joanne Rosen, JD, MA, a practice professor in Health Policy and management, notes, “The Biden administration’s guidance on EMTALA was a public health win, but it is likely to go away when Trump takes office.”
The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) has also played a pivotal role in safeguarding abortion access. Following the overturning of Roe, the Biden administration reminded ER doctors of their obligation to perform emergency abortions when necessary to save a pregnant woman’s health under EMTALA. This guidance has been a lifeline for many, but it faces potential challenges. Two separate 2024 Supreme Court rulings have left the door open for future litigation that could endanger access to mifepristone and challenge the legality of EMTALA.
Historic Gun Safety Legislation: A Bipartisan Breakthrough
In a landmark moment for gun safety, President Biden signed into law the first major federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years.This bipartisan bill represents a significant step forward in addressing one of the nation’s most contentious policy issues.
The legislation includes incentives for states to pass Extreme Risk Protection Orders, commonly known as red flag laws. These laws allow groups to petition courts to remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.Additionally, the bill expands background checks for individuals aged 18–21 seeking to purchase guns and broadens a law that prevents dating partners convicted of domestic abuse—not just spouses and former spouses—from owning firearms.
Cutting the Cost of Prescription Drugs
americans have long paid the highest prescription drug prices in the world, a challenge that the Biden administration has sought to address through the Inflation Reduction act. Gerard F. Anderson, PhD, a professor in health Policy and Management, highlights the Act’s four key components: empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices, capping out-of-pocket costs for seniors, limiting insulin prices, and penalizing pharmaceutical companies for excessive price hikes.
These measures aim to lower drug prices both now and in the future, offering relief to millions of Americans burdened by the high cost of medications.
Key Takeaways
| Policy Area | Key Developments |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————————————|
| Abortion Access | FDA allows retail pharmacies to dispense mifepristone; EMTALA guidance protects emergency abortions.|
| Gun Safety | Bipartisan bill includes red flag laws, expanded background checks, and domestic abuse firearm bans. |
| Prescription Drug Costs | Inflation Reduction Act empowers Medicare to negotiate prices and caps out-of-pocket costs for seniors. |
The Biden administration’s efforts in these areas reflect a commitment to addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges. However, the future of these policies remains uncertain, particularly in the face of potential legal and political shifts. As the debate over reproductive rights, gun safety, and healthcare costs continues, these developments will undoubtedly shape the landscape of American policy for years to come.
Biden Administration’s Health Care Reforms: Lower Drug Costs, Expanded Access, and Opioid Crisis Solutions
The Biden administration has made significant strides in reshaping the U.S. health care landscape, focusing on lowering drug costs, expanding access to care, and addressing the opioid crisis.These efforts have already begun to impact millions of Americans, with more changes on the horizon.
Lowering Prescription drug Costs
For the first time, the federal government has stepped in to negotiate prices for certain high-cost medications. In August, the administration announced agreements for new, lower prices on 10 widely used drugs, including treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This move is expected to save patients billions of dollars annually.
Starting in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries will also benefit from a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs, a significant relief for seniors who often face steep prescription expenses. Additionally, the administration has capped the price of insulin at $35 for Medicare recipients, a critical step for the millions of Americans managing diabetes.
To further curb rising drug prices, the administration has introduced penalties for pharmaceutical companies that increase prices above the rate of inflation. This measure aims to hold manufacturers accountable and prevent excessive cost hikes.
| Key drug Cost Reforms | Details |
|—————————|————-|
| Price Negotiations | Lower prices for 10 high-cost drugs, including treatments for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. |
| Out-of-Pocket Cap | $2,000 annual cap for Medicare beneficiaries starting in 2025. |
| Insulin Price Cap | $35 monthly cap for Medicare beneficiaries. |
| Inflation Penalties | Penalties for drug companies raising prices above inflation rates. |
Expanding Access to Care
Enrollment in the Affordable care Act (ACA) has surged under the Biden administration, reaching a record 24 million enrollees for 2025. This spike has helped reduce the uninsured rate from 14.5% to 11%, marking a significant step toward universal coverage.
The administration has also expanded ACA subsidies under the American Rescue Plan in 2021 and extended them through 2025 under the Inflation Reduction Act. These subsidies have cut premiums for eligible enrollees by 44%, or $705 annually, according to KFF. Though, these subsidies are set to expire at the end of next year unless Congress acts to extend them.
Tackling the Opioid Crisis
The Biden administration has taken bold steps to address the opioid epidemic, which continues to devastate communities across the country. One key initiative has been extending rules that allow easier access to opioid addiction treatments like buprenorphine and methadone via telemedicine. In December 2022, President Biden signed legislation removing the requirement for doctors to apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, streamlining access to this life-saving medication.
The administration has also worked to make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, more widely available. Efforts include distributing naloxone in federal facilities and schools and paving the way for over-the-counter sales of naloxone nasal spray.
What’s Next?
While these reforms represent significant progress, many of biden’s health care wins may face challenges from future administrations or the conservative judiciary. Public health advocates will play a crucial role in preserving these advancements and informing future efforts to improve Americans’ health.
The Biden administration’s health care reforms have already made a tangible difference, from lowering drug costs to expanding access to care and addressing the opioid crisis. As these policies continue to unfold,their long-term impact will depend on sustained advocacy and legislative support.
On out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. This cap is a meaningful step toward making medications more affordable for seniors, who frequently enough face high costs for essential treatments.Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions to limit the price of insulin to $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries, providing immediate relief to those managing diabetes.
Expanding Access to Health Care
The Biden management has also prioritized expanding access to health care, particularly for underserved populations. Efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have resulted in record-high enrollment numbers, with millions of Americans gaining access to affordable health insurance. The administration has also worked to close the Medicaid coverage gap in states that have not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, ensuring more low-income individuals can access care.
Telehealth services have been another focus, with the administration extending pandemic-era flexibilities that allow patients to receive care remotely. This has been particularly beneficial for rural and underserved communities, where access to in-person care can be limited.
Addressing the Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis remains a critical public health issue, and the Biden administration has taken a multi-faceted approach to combat it. Key initiatives include increasing funding for addiction treatment and recovery services, expanding access to naloxone (a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses), and cracking down on the illegal distribution of opioids.
The administration has also focused on harm reduction strategies, such as supporting syringe service programs and increasing access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. These efforts aim to reduce overdose deaths and provide comprehensive support for those affected by the crisis.
Key Takeaways
| Policy Area | Key Developments |
|——————————-|———————————————————————————————————|
| Lowering Drug Costs | Medicare negotiates lower prices for 10 high-cost drugs; $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for seniors starting in 2025; $35 insulin cap for Medicare beneficiaries.|
| Expanding Access to Care | Record-high ACA enrollment; efforts to close the Medicaid coverage gap; extended telehealth flexibilities. |
| Opioid Crisis Solutions | Increased funding for treatment and recovery; expanded access to naloxone; harm reduction strategies. |
The Biden administration’s health care reforms reflect a commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the U.S. health care system. By lowering drug costs, expanding access to care, and tackling the opioid crisis, these policies aim to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for millions of Americans. As these initiatives continue to unfold, their impact will be closely watched, with the potential to shape the future of health care in the United States.
