THE INDUSTRY PREPS FOR HARRIS — Health policy wonks are eyeing what a President Kamala Harris could mean for the cost of care, drug prices and abortion rights, among other major health care issues. Since President Joe Biden said he would withdraw from the race Sunday, Harris, a former California attorney general and senator, has received endorsements from prominent Democrats and raised millions for her presidential campaign. Pulse spoke with POLITICO’s Daniel Payne about the health care world’s reaction to Harris’ potential candidacy: Overall, how is news of Biden’s departure and Harris as the potential Democratic nominee being received in the health care world? There’s a sense that she will take up the health agenda from the current administration as her own — not only in her campaigning but also in her health policy priorities should she win the presidency. But some policy experts point out that she will try to balance the work of the current administration with a need to claim a stake of her own. And, of course, there’s a keen interest in how Harris could affect who wins or loses down-ballot in the November elections, which will be key to determining what kinds of policy pushes would be possible across Washington. What might Harris’ background as California attorney general tell us about her health policy? Harris’ background in aggressively pursuing antitrust suits as an AG is notable for an administration that has remained active in its quest to stop anticompetitive behavior across a number of sectors, including health care. So she could draw on her previous work as AG, as well as the current administration’s work. Another reason some Beltway wonks see this as a likely contender: It could fly politically. Offering concrete steps to lowering the cost of health care could have broad appeal and help her win competitive states, some leaders said. Which key policy areas might Harris highlight during her campaign? What are the health sectors watching closely? Abortion rights have clearly been a big priority for Harris, and she’s seen as a powerful messenger on the issue that Democrats believe will resonate with voters across the country. Leaders in the health sector are also watching how Harris talks about the current administration’s policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which allowed Medicare to negotiate the price of some prescription drugs, or a minimum staffing standard for nursing homes. The current administration has touted both policies as major wins, but how they’re enforced in the years to come could have a ripple effect across the larger health system. WELCOME TO TUESDAY PULSE. Whoever sits in the White House has a huge impact on … the D.C. food scene. Remember the “Biden Bump?” Washingtonian Magazine breaks down what a President Kamala Harris could mean for the city’s restaurants. Send your tips, scoops and feedback to ccirruzzo@politico.com and bleonard@politico.com and follow along @ChelseaCirruzzo and @_BenLeonard_.
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