Democratic Presidential Nominee Hillary Clinton outlined her healthcare plan in a New England Journal of Medicine article; Republican Nominee Donald Trump did not respond to the publication's request to feature his plans.
NEJM asked both candidates to discuss policy they supported to improve care, quality of care and control costs. Ms. Clinton responded with a four point plan:
1. Ms. Clinton would keep the ACA intact, as she sees the legislation as "an essential step toward universal healthcare." She would expand Medicaid coverage in states that previously elected not to expand Medicaid and deliver tax credits to make health coverage more affordable. She would also include the public option in every state and allow Americans to "buy in to Medicare" when they are 55 years old.
2. To make healthcare more affordable, Ms. Clinton would create a tax credit of up to $5,000 per family "for excessive out-of-pocket health costs" and insurers would be required to limit out-of-pocket for prescription drugs to $250. She would work to streamline approval of "high quality biosimilar and generic drugs" and create a federal consumer response team. Finally, she would take steps to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse.
3. The trend toward value-based care would continue and encourage integrated healthcare and improved access to primary, dental and mental healthcare. She would make a renewed commitment to community and mental health centers as well as the National Health Service Corps. She would fight against restricting access to reproductive healthcare for women and she supports access to "affordable" contraception as well as preventative care and "safe and legal abortion."
4. Ms. Clinton would invest in the scientific research and regulatory system to promote innovation and increase funding for biomedical research. She would maintain the cancer moon shot program Vice President Joe Biden currently heads.
"Health and healthcare in America should not be a partisan or divisive issue," she wrote in the article's conclusion. "As President, I will work tirelessly with anyone dedicated to improving our families' health and ensuring that the promise of affordable, quality healthcare is achieved for all Americans."