Democrats push health care affordability as top priority after midterm wins

After a sweeping midterm victory, Democrats are signaling that health care affordability is their defining legislative priority. Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) told an Axios Live audience that the party has a clear "mandate" from voters to lower costs and expand access — starting with restoring Medicaid funding, shoring up rural hospitals, and bringing back ACA marketplace subsidies.

Health policy experts aren't mincing words either. Georgetown University's Sabrina Corlette warned that if current cuts go untouched, 15 million Americans could lose health insurance coverage. She pointed to hospital consolidation and drug pricing as the two biggest cost drivers in the commercial market that lawmakers must tackle next.

Even Republicans are doing some soul-searching. Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) acknowledged that the GOP "did not get out and explain our position well enough" — and left the door open for bipartisan cooperation on cost-reduction ideas.

By the Numbers:

• 1 in 3 Americans report making financial sacrifices — including skipping meals and borrowing money — to afford health care (Gallup/West Health)
• 15 million people could lose health insurance if Medicaid and ACA cuts remain in place

Why it matters: With health care costs continuing to climb, the post-midterm political landscape may create a rare window for bipartisan action — but Democrats will need to work with President Trump in his final two years in office to deliver meaningful relief.