Democrats won at least 237 House seats and 54 Senate seats, giving them authority to reverse healthcare changes made by President Donald Trump and Republicans. This victory allows them to address healthcare affordability, which preelection surveys listed as a top concern. One immediate priority involves restoring enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired last year. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House leader expected to become speaker, told CNN that the party should bring back subsidies to help families, though Sabrina Corlette of Georgetown University said such moves might be rolled into broader budget negotiations. Progressive wins, including that of Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, may embolden members to propose expanding Medicare to cover all Americans. KFF researchers estimate that premiums for Affordable Care Act benchmark plans will increase by an average of 13% for 2027.
Congressional oversight and new mandates
Democrats plan to use subpoena power to investigate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s top health official, who dismantled U.S. vaccine recommendations, gutted federal health agency staff, and cut public health funding. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report in June previewing investigations into clandestine drug-pricing deals between Trump and pharmaceutical companies. Democrats also intend to probe connections between Trump’s administration actions and stock prices that rose when companies received Medicare price negotiation exemptions under the 2025 GOP tax and spending law. They also intend to scrutinize insurance companies regarding preauthorization denials and the use of artificial intelligence in medical decision-making. This oversight will likely target the Department of Health and Human Services. The party also wants to address the 10 states that declined to expand Medicaid. Other proposals include expanding traditional Medicare to include dental and hearing care, lowering the Medicare eligibility age to 60 or younger, and allowing children to stay on parents’ insurance until age 26. Democrats also plan to probe scientific decision-making regarding flavored vapes and the promotion of the herbicide glyphosate. Rodney Whitlock, a healthcare consultant, noted that Democrats are positioned to fight over Medicaid spending in March during fiscal year funding negotiations.
Difficulties in a divided government
President Trump holds veto power, which complicates the ability of Democrats to undo Medicaid cuts or changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Larry Levitt, an executive vice president at KFF, said achieving all of the Democratic agenda will be impossible with President Trump still in the White House. Allison Orris, a partner at Manatt, said it will cost money to undo or even just delay changes that were enacted in 2025. Trump said in a phone interview with Politico that he spoke with Democratic leaders and told them he must work with them to make sure things go well for the country. He added, "I don’t want to just be sitting there for two years vetoing everything." Although Republicans currently hold the majority during the lame-duck session, certain issues may gain bipartisan support.
| Policy Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2027 ACA Premium Increase | 13% average |
| ACA Enrollment Deadline | Jan. 15 in most states |
| Proposed Medicare Age | 60 or younger |
Both parties have proposed limits on pharmacy benefit managers, patent restrictions for certain drugs, and benchmarking U.S. drug prices against prices in other countries. There is also bipartisan interest in fixing the No Surprises Act and preventing scheduled Medicare payment cuts to doctors on Jan. 1. However, the confirmation of Heidi Overton to lead the FDA faces opposition from Democrats. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana questioned whether Overton supports the administration’s changes to vaccine recommendations. Cassidy lost his seat after Trump endorsed Republican primary challenger Rep. Julia Letlow, who won the Senate seat on Tuesday. Economist Doug Holtz-Eakin said that everyone gets hyped up for lame ducks, but they are always a disappointment.
