Health Care
Brian is a supporter of the Affordable Care Act recognizing the law was a beginning, not an end to expanding, improving, and providing more affordable healthcare options for Americans. He supports legislation aimed at bringing down the cost of prescription drug prices and is a lead sponsor of a bill that would allow people ages 50-64 to buy into Medicare early.
As Co-Chair of the House of Representatives Cancer Caucus, Brian works with his colleagues to support substantial federal investments in medical research, funding benefiting Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus here in Western New York and supporting families fighting horrible diseases and conditions across the nation. He is also a lead sponsor of the Cancer Drug Coverage Parity Act, which requires health insurance companies to provide the same coverage for new, promising orally-administered anti-cancer medication as it does for traditional intravenous chemotherapy.
Brian remains at the forefront of today’s top health discussions ranging from improving mental health services to seeking solutions to combat the opioid epidemic, as a member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health.
For information about accessing health coverage through the Affordable Care Act visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/
For additional details about health care in New York State go to: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
More on Health Care
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the approval of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act (H.R.8876). Cosponsored by Higgins, this legislation provides increased funding to support home visits for expectant and new parents who live in communities at-risk for poor maternal and child health outcomes.
Congressman Higgins Welcomes News That FDA is Planning to End Discriminatory Blood Donation Policies
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) welcomed the long overdue news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is preparing to update its guidelines regarding blood donations, moving away from blanket, discriminatory rules banning donations from some gay and bisexual men.
Representatives Higgins and Castor Introduce Legislation to Increase Access to Lung Cancer Screening
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Co-Chair of the House Cancer Caucus, and Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14) introduced the Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act (H.R.9336).
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the approval of the VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act, the VIPER Act (H.R.5721). This legislation will bolster research efforts at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, particularly within the Veterans Health Administration, that advance health care for thousands of veterans and civilians around the world.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is teaming up with the Alzheimer’s Association of Western New York to host an informational luncheon in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month & Family Caregivers Month. Caring for a loved one with memory loss can be exceptionally demanding. The event will provide caregivers with information on tools and resources available to support families dealing with all forms of dementia.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a federal grant totaling $250,000 awarded to Plymouth Crossroads. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and awarded through the Administration for Children and Family Services, Family and Youth Bureau, the grant will provide support services and resources for runaway and homeless youth in Western New York.
Office of Justice Programs Awards ECMC $496,959 to help strengthen link between hospital-based and community-based violence response programs;
ECMC’s BRAVE program one of three programs awarded in the nation
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a federal grant totaling $200,000 awarded to Compass House. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and awarded through the Administration for Children and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau Basic Center Program, the grant will continue support for emergency housing and resources for homeless and runaway youth in the Western New York community.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the approval of the Mental Health Matters Act (H.R.7780). This legislation emphasizes the need to prioritize behavioral healthcare for students and families by removing barriers to care and support services.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), Co-Chair of the bipartisan House Cancer Caucus, in conjunction with Act for NIH and the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT), led a briefing for Members of Congress and staff to discuss ways to support innovation in cancer care and improve the patient experience.