Trump’s drug card plan sows confusion – even within administration Top Trump deputies say they can put the plan in place using existing powers. But critics see it as a brazen election year ploy.

President Donald Trump holds up an executive order after delivering remarks on healthcare in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday. | Evan Vucci/AP Photo

President Donald Trump’s surprise pledge to send $200 drug discount cards to older Americans has left even his top deputies and health officials scrambling to explain how it would all work — assuming it’s even legal.

The administration says it can put the plan in place using existing powers to test new ways of delivering health care. But critics see it as a brazen election year ploy to buy votes that could exceed presidential authority while sapping Medicare’s finances.

Administration officials on Friday didn’t answer questions about what the cards would look like — and if they would bear the president’s name, like coronavirus stimulus checks the Treasury sent to tens of millions of Americans this spring.

“The administration’s claim to be using imaginary savings from non-existent drug price reforms means that Trump’s coupons come at Medicare’s expense, and that seniors and taxpayers are paying the price for this stunt,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.

By RACHEL ROUBEIN and SUSANNAH LUTHI

Source:politico.com