On Tuesday, Republican House of Representatives leader Kevin McCarthy announced the appointment of Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) to the Healthy Future Task Force. The Task Force will build on Republican health policy successes and craft a patient-focused agenda for the future.
“I am grateful to Leader McCarthy for forming the Healthy Future Task Force to spearhead the development of solutions to improve affordability, choice, and quality of health care through competition and innovation,” said Congressman Westerman.
“A top down, one-size-fits-all approach to health care, such as Medicare for All, would result in restricted access and lower-quality care for patients while severely burdening tax-payers. Instead, I look forward to helping the Task Force develop and implement market-based solutions to improve health care at lower costs for every American,” Westerman said.
Background:
According to the press release, Republicans have a long record of patient-oriented accomplishments including:
· A Historic Ban on Surprise Medical Bills
· 21st Century Cures
The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit for Seniors
Medicare Advantage
· Expanding Telehealth
· Record Investments in the NIH
Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
·The Children’s Health Insurance Program
· Protections for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions
The Healthy Future Task Force will listen, learn, and lead in developing this next chapter of the health care agenda, the press release said. The Task Force will craft legislative proposals setting the framework for Republican policy moving forward. This agenda will focus on:
- Breaking down barriers to help all Americans live healthier and longer lives,
- Increasing care choices,
- Expanding the range of available providers,
- Encouraging investment in new cures an therapies,
- Lowering the cost of health services,
- Providing a strong safety net for the most vulnerable Americans,
- Protecting access to care for all Americans, and
- Ensuring patients remain in control of their health care.
