President Joe Biden delivered his 2024 State of the Union Address on March 7. Addressing both chambers of Congress, as well as representatives of all branches of the federal government, the president struck a tone of urgency to address key issues facing the nation, including border security, the economy, and reproductive health. Biden lamented Congress’ gridlock and urged lawmakers to work together to send legislation to his desk that would focus on these and other priorities.
In his speech, Biden focused on speaking to efforts to ensure patients access to affordable, high quality health coverage, celebrated his administration’s capping insulin for seniors at $35 per month, and touted the new Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) [refer to Washington Highlights, Aug. 15, 2022]. Biden focused heavily on reproductive health, calling on Congress to guarantee access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and to codify Roe v. Wade which would protect a person’s right to full reproductive services. The president also mentioned the imperative to focus on health research, including by supporting the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health and touting a White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research led by first lady Jill Biden.
In response to the president’s remarks, the AAMC touted the importance of medical research, supporting the Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), and ensuring access to affordable prescription medicine.