Health Care

Since coming to Congress in 2003, working to make sure my constituents have access to affordable health care has been one of my priorities. I continue to work with my colleagues as a member of the Rural Healthcare Coalition to promote health care policies that address both the immediate and the long term health care needs of citizens living in rural communities.

One success in health policy has been the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.  Since the Medicare prescription drug program went into effect at the beginning of 2006, more than 25 million seniors have enrolled in the program and more than 85 percent are satisfied with their plan.  In addition, the program has provided even lower prices than was originally predicted when first signed into law.  For example, seniors are saving an average of $1200 on the cost of their prescriptions and premiums average $25 per month.  Due to competition, participating drug plans have negotiated more than $30 billion in savings. 

I’ve also continued to support legislation that allows individuals and families to save for future health expenses through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  I am pleased to say that Texas has the fourth highest number of HSA enrollees at just below 360,000.  A recent report from the Government Accountability Office found that HSAs are working. People are investing money into their accounts and saving for future medical needs. These accounts offer greater flexibility to health care options as they allow the individuals to manage their own health care costs. I think HSAs will be a significant part of the long term health care solution in this country.

Many reforms have introduced more competition into the health care market.  I believe competition is the only long-term solution to the problem of rising health care costs.  With our nation's vast medical resources, all Americans should have access to quality medical care that is affordable.  I also look forward to working with my colleagues to find workable, sustainable, long term positive changes to healthcare in America.