Trump Promises $200 Drug Discount Cards to Seniors
President Donald Trump pledged to send out millions of $200 drug discount cards to senior citizens for the cost of prescription drugs.
The drug discount cars are intended for 33 million American senior citizens. It will be a part of the $6.6 billion promise that Trump offered his key electorate, the New York Times reported.
Trump made the announcement as he was unveiling his health care plan on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Details were not available yet on how the federal government will carry out the drug discount card plan, said a report from the Wall Street Journal. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will implement the program, but it is still seeking more details from the White House.
Who Can Get the Card?
Americans in Medicare program for the elderly and disabled will be sent $200 discount cards ahead of the election, the Bloomberg reported. It can be used to pay for the cost of prescription-drug copays.
"These cards are incredible," said Trump, adding that the cards would be mailed out in the coming weeks."I will always take care of our wonderful senior citizens," the president noted in his speech.
Other than the drug discount card, Trump also unveiled plans to have two core provisions.One plan is an executive order that protects people suffering from pre-existing conditions. This provision can already be seen in the Affordable Care Act, which is Trump trying to overturn.
The second provision is to put an end to surprise medical billing. But this will still need congressional action. Trump called this health care program, the "America First Health Plan."
Where Does the Money for Card Funds Will Come?
The cost of the cards is expected to reach billions of dollars.
According to Politico, two senior White House staff also said the money could be used as part of the Medicare program, called the 402 demonstration. It tests innovations that could save money or improve the quality of service that can be provided through Medicare.
The officials also said a drug-pricing program can still offset the costs. It's not yet clear whether the White House can legally issue these cards, but these are seen as gifts to seniors.
Regardless, its announcement still came as a surprise because the White House tried to strike a deal with the pharmaceutical industry. It was the administration's broad effort to lower drug prices.
There is a friction between the White House and the pharmaceutical industry, especially after the deal collapse. But it reached a halt after White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said the industry has to pay for such cards.
The companies recoiled in fear of footing the potential "Trump card." Priscilla VanderVeer, the VP for Public Affairs for PhRMA, said a one-time savings card "will not provide lasting help."
She also said it would not advance much-needed health reforms that seniors need to afford their medicine. PhRMA is the industry's largest trade group.
Meadows suggested that the drug makers still pay for the cards, but he did not explain. He said older Americans would begin receiving cards in October.
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