With the 2024 presidential election coming up, many people are wondering how Kamala Harris would change the U.S. health care system if she becomes the next president.
From lowering drug prices to expanding abortion rights, Harris has a plan to make big changes. 
Let’s explore what a Kamala Harris presidency could mean for health care in the United States.
Lowering Drug Prices
One of Harris’s biggest goals is to make prescription drugs more affordable.
Right now, many Americans are paying high prices for medications they need to stay healthy.
Harris wants to allow the government to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, especially for Medicare.
This could help bring down the costs for millions of seniors and people who rely on medication every day.
By using the government’s buying power, Harris believes she can push for better deals that save money for patients.
Lower drug prices mean fewer tough choices about buying groceries or paying for life-saving medicine.
Protecting and Expanding Abortion Rights
Another major change Harris plans to make is expanding access to abortion.
Harris is a strong supporter of reproductive rights, which means she believes women should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
Under her presidency, Harris would work to protect and expand access to abortion services, especially in states that have passed strict abortion laws.
Harris wants to ensure abortion is accessible by passing federal protections, which would make it harder for states to limit abortion services.
She also aims to increase funding for clinics that provide abortions and other reproductive health services, making sure that every woman has access to the care she needs.
Expanding Medicaid and Medicare
Harris also wants to expand Medicaid so that more low-income Americans can get health care coverage.
Medicaid is a government program that helps people with little to no income get the medical care they need.
Harris’s plan would allow more people to qualify for Medicaid, especially in states that have refused to expand it under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Additionally, Harris wants to strengthen Medicare—the government program for people over 65—by adding benefits like hearing aids, glasses, and dental coverage.
Right now, Medicare doesn’t cover all these services, which means many seniors have to pay out of pocket.
Harris’s plan would help make sure older Americans get the care they need without worrying about extra costs.
Focus on Mental Health
Mental health is another big part of Harris’s health care plan. She wants to expand mental health services so that more Americans can get help when they need it.
Harris believes that mental health is just as important as physical health, and she wants insurance companies to treat it that way too.
By investing in community mental health centers and making therapy more accessible, Harris hopes to help more people deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Fighting Health Disparities
Harris is also focused on reducing health disparities. Many people in the U.S. struggle to get good health care because of where they live, their race, or their income level.
Harris wants to make sure everyone has an equal chance to get the care they need.
This means funding programs in underserved communities, supporting rural health clinics, and making sure people of all backgrounds are treated fairly when they see a doctor.
What Does This Mean for You?
If Harris becomes president, there could be some big changes in health care that impact millions of people.
Lower drug prices could mean more affordable medications for families. Expanded Medicaid and Medicare could give more people access to health services they need, from mental health care to dental coverage.
If you’re someone who worries about affording prescription drugs, or if you care about protecting abortion rights, this election will be very important.
Harris’s health care plan is about making sure everyone—no matter their income or where they live—can get the care they need to stay healthy.
Conclusion
A Kamala Harris presidency could mean significant changes for health care in America.
From making prescription drugs cheaper to expanding abortion rights and improving mental health care, her vision is focused on expanding access and affordability.
As the election draws near, voters have important choices to make about the future of health care in the United States.
