Recent RAND health research
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Periodic updates to Congress on RAND’s work in health | Web version
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Congressional Newsletter
November 2021
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Photo by zimmytws/Getty Images
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As the 2022 Open Enrollment Period opens today, a recent study examines how political affiliation may affect decisions to enroll through the Affordable Care Act Marketplaces and receive subsidies. The researchers found that Republicans who buy individual health insurance plans may be less likely to shop through the Marketplaces, and those who do may be less likely to make use of subsidies that they were eligible to receive—forgoing an average of about $800 annually as compared to Democrats. Researchers discuss possible ways to improve the uptake of health insurance subsidies amid the polarization around the ACA Marketplaces.
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MJ_Prototype/Getty Images
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Policies to lower prescription drug spending continue to be under consideration as Congress negotiates budget reconciliation legislation, especially if those proposals offer federal savings. Modeling a proposal that would cap U.S. prices at 120% of what is paid in six other nations—similar to a policy in the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act (H.R. 3)—researchers found that U.S. spending on insulins and 50 top brand-name drugs would have been cut by at least half during 2020. The analysis does not reflect several components of H.R. 3 including price negotiation, and researchers cautioned that the estimated savings are likely conservative. Researchers also acknowledged there are other important considerations around drug price regulation, including incentives for research and development.
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Bryan Olin Dozier/Reuters
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In recent years, lawmakers have debated whether to raise the minimum wage, with many coalescing around a “fight for $15” campaign. However, some caution that if a raise is too big or sudden, employers may respond with layoffs, reduced hours, or scaled-back benefits. Policymakers may want to consider if increased wages could result in low-wage workers losing their employer-sponsored health coverage. RAND researchers analyzed whether past state and federal minimum wage changes affected the level or source of health insurance coverage for low-income families. The team found that for every $1 increase in the minimum wage, low-wage workers and their families became 1 percentage point less likely to have job-based insurance coverage.
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RAND Congressional Resources Staff
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