Health
As a physician, I am keenly aware of the challenges that all Americans face when it comes to health care. The previous president’s health care law only made things worse – the cost of insurance has gone up along with healthcare costs, while the quality of care and choice of providers has gone down, especially for our seniors.
I believe people with preexisting medical conditions should retain access to insurance. However, real reforms are necessary to make quality health care coverage more affordable and accessible. Tort reform will do away with frivolous lawsuits and reduce health care costs for everyone. Everyone should be able to purchase insurance across state lines – competition always provides the best possible product at the lowest possible price. And finally, we must preserve and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. Physicians, not government bureaucrats, should provide guidance on medical decisions that affect you and your family.
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ANNAPOLIS — Governor Larry Hogan, together with Seema Verma, administrator of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), July 9 signed and officially enacted Maryland’s Total Cost of Care All-Payer Model, known as the “Maryland Model,” in a signing ceremony at the Maryland State House.
WASHINGTON, DC: On July 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it will issue a $2 million grant for the implementation of job training programs in substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in Maryland. This grant is part of a broader $22 million effort to provide reemployment services for individuals affected by substance abuse disorder. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of this grant:
HAVRE DE GRACE — U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st District) discussed addiction treatment’s successes and challenges with officials at Ashley Addiction Treatment on Tuesday.
Harris previously toured Ashley’s facilities in Elkton in March to talk to officials about issues related to the nation’s opioid epidemic.
WASHINGTON, DC: On June 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This package of bipartisan bills includes Medicaid, Medicare, and public health reforms to combat the opioid crisis. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement in support of the bill’s passage:
EASTON— Addiction for Bruce Strazza started at 11 years old, with pills, marijuana and alcohol to numb the pain of his home life. His story is one many Americans currently experience with opioids.
WASHINGTON, DC: On June 12, the U.S. House of Representatives passed several bills combating the opioid crisis, including but not limited to: H.R. 5261, the TEACH to Combat Addiction Act; H.R. 5041, the Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act; and H.R. 4684, the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) released the following statement lauding the passage of these bills:
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 204, the Trickett Wendler, Frank Mongiello, Jordan McLinn, and Matthew Bellina Right to Try Act. This legislation increases terminally ill patients’ access to experimental drugs that have not yet been approved or licensed by the FDA. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement lauding the bill’s passage:
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 17, the House Committee on Appropriations marked up the FY19 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations bill. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) offered, and the committee passed, an amendment urging the Drug Enforcement Agency to expeditiously process the several pending applications for research-related marijuana production. Congressman Harris released the following statement lauding its passage:
WASHINGTON, DC: On May 11, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. released the following statement after President Trump unveiled his plan for lowering the cost of prescription drugs, entitled the American Patients First Blueprint: