FIXING HEALTH CARE

Joe believes access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. In Congress, he has been fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and make quality, affordable healthcare accessible to every American.

 

The bottom line is that we need to make it easier, not harder for Americans to obtain the health coverage they need and deserve. Joe has led efforts to end surprise medical billing by passing the No Surprises Act, which was passed into law in 2020. He has fought to lower the cost of prescription medication like Insulin, expand access to vital services like telehealth, and maintain critical protections for people with pre-existing conditions. And when Republicans sought to cut off access to care for millions of Americans and eliminate the protections for those with preexisting conditions, Joe fought tirelessly to protect the Affordable Care Act.

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In Congress, Joe has co-sponsored the following legislation: 

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H.R. 3, Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act 

Establishes several programs and requirements related to the prices of prescription drugs.

 

H.R. 6833, Affordable Insulin Now Act 

The bill lowers out-of-pocket costs for insulin, by requiring patients pay the lesser of $35 or 25 percent of the negotiated price each month for insulin.
 

H.R. 369, Health Care Affordability Act 

Expands the eligibility of low-income taxpayers for premium assistance, and reduces the cost of health care premiums for individuals buying coverage through the ACA’s Federal and State Marketplaces.
 

H.R. 5165, Improving Medicare Coverage Act 

Lowers the Medicare age to 60 to expand Medicare Access.
 

H.R. 3173, Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act 

Establishes requirements and standards relating to prior authorization processes for Medicare Advantage Plans.

 

H.R. 2054, No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act 

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for newborns of enrollees for the first 30-day period after birth and 60-day enrollment afterwards.

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H.R. 475, Health Care Fairness for Military Families Act 

Allows dependent under the age of 26 to be covered without additional premiums.
 

H.R. 4385, Cancer Drug Parity Act 

Requires health plans to provider coverage of oral anticancer therapy at the same cost sharing as provider administered.

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H.R. 379, Improving Social Determinants of Health Act 

Requires CDC to establish a program to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities, including by awarding grants to address SDOH.