Democrats Eye 2028 for Bigger Health Care Push

Party looks to undo GOP's Medicaid cuts and restore ACA subsidies in midterms, but some see momentum for more ambitious agenda down the line

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:10am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty hospital waiting room with rows of chairs and a reception desk, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight that casts deep shadows, creating a mood of uncertainty and anticipation around the future of American health care policy.As Democrats strategize their next steps on health care, a sense of anticipation and unease lingers over the future of America's medical system.NYC Today

As Democrats vie to take control of Congress in the midterms this fall, their main message on health care policy is to undo Republicans' Medicaid cuts and restore the health care subsidies that lapsed at the end of last year. However, some analysts and lawmakers say momentum is growing for a bigger health care push in 2028, with ideas like expanding Medicare drug price negotiation and a public health insurance option gaining traction within the party.

Why it matters

Health care has historically been a winning issue for Democrats, and the party hopes to harness concerns over rising costs to make gains in the midterms. While the immediate focus is on reversing recent Republican actions, there are signs that Democrats are starting to lay the groundwork for a more ambitious health care agenda that could be a centerpiece of the 2028 presidential election.

The details

Democrats aim to make the case that the Republicans' actions on health care this Congress, including Medicaid cuts and the expiration of ACA subsidies, are raising health care costs for Americans. Some Democratic lawmakers are already mapping out policy proposals for when the party wins back power, with ideas like expanding Medicare drug price negotiation and creating a public health insurance option. There is also growing momentum within the party for a more comprehensive health care push, similar to the lead-up to the Affordable Care Act in 2010.

  • In March, a group of Senate Finance Committee members led by ranking member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., outlined a slate of policy priorities, including reversing Republican cost increases and reimagining a better path on health care.
  • In February, some Senate Democrats laid out plans for drug pricing, which included expanding the Medicare drug price negotiation authority.
  • At a recent hearing, Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., drew attention to polling showing that 75% of uninsured Americans skipped or postponed care due to cost, and said a single-payer system like Medicare for All is the solution.

The players

Ron Wyden

Ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee who led a group of senators in outlining health care policy priorities.

Diana DeGette

Ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health who advocated for a single-payer health care system.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Democratic Representative who said the party needs to go further than just restoring previous health care safeguards.

Sarah McBride

Democratic Representative who said the party is having conversations about a health care agenda that goes beyond restoring the previous status quo.

Larry Levitt

Executive vice president for health policy at KFF who said a public health insurance option could be a middle ground for Democrats.

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What they’re saying

“The devastating consequences of Trump's and Republicans' health care cuts are playing out in real time. Over the past year, Republicans have passed legislation and issued regulations that make insurance harder to buy and more expensive to keep.”

— Ron Wyden, Ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee

“Ultimately the best way to achieve affordable, accessible care for every American is to build a single-payer system like Medicare for All.”

— Diana DeGette, Ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health

“We need to restore a lot of those previous safeguards. But I think we also need to go further moving towards guaranteeing health care to every American.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“I do think that we need a North Star that we're articulating that goes beyond a restoration of the previous status quo, and I think our caucus is eager to put forward that kind of vision.”

— Sarah McBride, Democratic Representative

“The only way a public option offers more affordable coverage is by lowering how much hospitals, drug companies and doctors get paid, and that will ignite opposition.”

— Larry Levitt, Executive vice president for health policy at KFF

What’s next

As Democrats work to take control of Congress in the midterms, they will likely focus their health care messaging on undoing recent Republican actions. However, there are signs that the party is already laying the groundwork for a more ambitious health care agenda that could be a centerpiece of the 2028 presidential election, with ideas like expanding Medicare drug price negotiation and creating a public health insurance option gaining traction.

The takeaway

The Democratic Party is taking a two-pronged approach to health care policy, with an immediate focus on reversing recent Republican actions that have raised costs for Americans, while also starting to map out a more comprehensive agenda that could be unveiled in the 2028 presidential race. This reflects the party's recognition that health care remains a winning issue, and that voters are hungry for solutions that go beyond simply restoring the status quo.