Democrats, led by Biden, are aiming big on health care – Axios

Democrats are exploring adding a huge array of health policies to upcoming spending legislation, ranging from further enhancing Affordable Care Act subsidies to allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices.

Why it matters: The next few months may give Democrats the opportunity to walk the walk after campaigning extensively on health care for years, and to plug some of the glaring holes in the system that were exposed by the pandemic.

What they're saying: Its not just a moment, its the opportunity to address an undeniable set of problems that have been highlighted to a great degree during the COVID pandemic crisis," Democratic health strategist Chris Jennings said.

Where it stands: President Biden is expected to release his blueprint for a giant package of family-related policies, including health care, in the coming weeks.

Details: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing the White House to prioritize a permanent expansion of the ACA's premium subsidies, the Washington Post reports. The last coronavirus package expanded them through 2022.

More controversial moves are also on the table, including lowering the Medicare eligibility age which Sen. Bernie Sanders is pushing for, per the Post. Hospitals strongly oppose that change.

Between the lines: Democrats want to help pay for these coverage expansions by lowering prescription drug prices, including by letting Medicare negotiate prices.

What we're watching: Passing any combination of the above policies would be a big deal.

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Democrats, led by Biden, are aiming big on health care - Axios