Healthcare Issues

Congressman Baca believes that all Americans should have access to healthcare. His leadership and hard work have played a critical role in creating legislation that offers increased accessibility to those that need it most and lowers costs for quality care. Whether it is through the introduction of bills, co-sponsoring legislation, or writing grant letters of support, Congressman Baca continues to strive for quality and affordable healthcare for all.

Increasing the supply of nurses

Throughout our nation, fewer and fewer students are joining the ranks of the nursing profession. Due to overwork, underpay, and lack of professional recognition, the nursing shortage has reached a crisis. While Congressman Baca recognizes that significant changes to the nursing profession must be implemented in the long term, more nurses are needed immediately to help provide much needed healthcare to patients. Congressman Baca introduced H.R. 920 to alleviate this shortage. This legislation offers scholarships to students not usually attracted to the nursing profession, such as minorities, men and low-income individuals. Under this bill, funds would also go to non-profit organizations promoting careers in nursing to elementary, junior high, and high schools.

Helping our Elderly

Congressman Baca adamantly opposes reductions in funding for programs that affect the Inland Empire's access to healthcare. As a nation in budgetary crisis, we cannot cut valuable health programs. He has supported letters and legislative efforts to keep seniors out of HMO's and to provide sensible coverage for prescription drugs so that our seniors will not have to travel to other nations to purchase life saving medication.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Congressman Baca has always fought to bring about increased funding for Breast Cancer awareness, prevention, and treatment. He has introduced legislation that would reauthorize the usage of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, a stamp that has raised millions of dollars for the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health. H.R. 1385 extends the Breast Cancer stamp and awaits Senate approval after passing the House. Additionally, legislation containing the language from the bill was signed into law. He has also co-sponsored legislation that requires health plans to provide coverage for minimum hospital stays after the patient has received a mastectomy.

Related Links

Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services