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Healthcare industry lobbies Democrats to limit sweeping reforms
As Democrats roll out healthcare proposals, industry groups are backing some Republicans and lobbying Democratic leaders to resist more far-reaching changes.
The healthcare industry is lobbying Democratic Party leaders to resist progressive members seeking far-reaching changes as Democrats roll out policy proposals in anticipation of winning back Congress. In some campaigns, the industry's efforts also include backing Republicans.
Drug companies warn that price controls could hinder innovation, insurers say coverage mandates would raise premiums, and hospitals warn that restrictions on their funding could cause closures and job losses. These are the sectors' arguments against changes affecting their businesses.
Health insurance industry political action committees have also given tens of thousands of dollars to leaders of both parties and senior members of House and Senate committees focused on healthcare, according to the Center for Health and Democracy's data.
Larry Levitt, KFF's executive vice president for health policy, said he imagined the industry would welcome Democratic control of Congress in the short term to forestall further coverage-program cuts. He said the longer-term calculation was more complicated because many Democrats favor a larger government role in healthcare.