Cape News

Chairman Smith delivered an opening statement on the floor debate regarding the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act on September 17, 2024. He highlighted that the act codifies a Trump Administration policy aimed at incentivizing employers to offer coverage for specific services, thereby reducing health care costs for workers and businesses.

"Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes. Nearly 90 percent of the $4.1 trillion in annual health care spending in this country goes toward the treatment of patients with chronic diseases," Smith stated.

He emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for individuals to manage their chronic health conditions to improve their quality of life and reduce financial burdens on various stakeholders.

The act, introduced by Dr. Wenstrup and Representative Blumenauer from the Ways and Means Committee, seeks to expand treatment options by allowing employers with high deductible health plans to offer pre-deductible coverage for 14 chronic health care services. These services include beta-blockers for congestive heart failure, blood pressure monitors for hypertension, glucometers for diabetes, inhalers for asthma, and cholesterol drugs and testing for heart disease. The bill also allows for future expansion of covered services.

Smith reiterated that "the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act actually codifies a Trump Administration policy that will incentivize employers to offer coverage for these services so that they can lower health care costs for their workers and their business."

He concluded by advocating for support from his colleagues, noting that flexibilities in care delivery and coverage options are crucial for improving patient outcomes.