Economics 101 says they’re right, of course—and the impending spike in health insurance costs is just the latest evidence of this fact. It’s within the power of congressional Republicans to rein in the cost of health coverage and protect access to quality, affordable health care for millions of American patients. But time is running out.
Employers expect to see their health insurance costs surge by as much as 9.5% next year. That’s the biggest uptick since 2011.
President Trump’s tariffs deserve much of the blame. According to analysts, the threat of new levies on imported drugs and drug ingredients is one of the main factors leading insurers to raise prices. Just last week, the president said he’d impose 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products starting October 1—unless a drug maker is building a manufacturing facility in the United States.
It’s time for Congress to reclaim its constitutionally granted authority over tariffs—and forestall these import levies. If Republican legislators do not, they’ll face an electorate next year that could be eager to punish those in power for needlessly forcing them to pay more for health care.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
GOP Lawmakers Can Stand Up For Affordable Healthcare By Ending Trump’s Tariffs
Sally C. Pipes
Economics 101 says they’re right, of course—and the impending spike in health insurance costs is just the latest evidence of this fact. It’s within the power of congressional Republicans to rein in the cost of health coverage and protect access to quality, affordable health care for millions of American patients. But time is running out.
Employers expect to see their health insurance costs surge by as much as 9.5% next year. That’s the biggest uptick since 2011.
President Trump’s tariffs deserve much of the blame. According to analysts, the threat of new levies on imported drugs and drug ingredients is one of the main factors leading insurers to raise prices. Just last week, the president said he’d impose 100% tariffs on imported pharmaceutical products starting October 1—unless a drug maker is building a manufacturing facility in the United States.
It’s time for Congress to reclaim its constitutionally granted authority over tariffs—and forestall these import levies. If Republican legislators do not, they’ll face an electorate next year that could be eager to punish those in power for needlessly forcing them to pay more for health care.
Read the op-ed here.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.