Rep. Jason T. Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District | Congressman Jason Smith Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Jason T. Smith, U.S. Representative for Missouri's 8th District | Congressman Jason Smith Official U.S. House headshot
Health Chairman Buchanan addressed the pressing issue of modernizing American health care in a recent hearing. The focus was on creating healthier options and better incentives to combat chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, which affect six in ten Americans.
Buchanan highlighted the projected $3 trillion cost of chronic diseases in Florida from 2016-2030, citing data from the Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease. He expressed commitment to reducing these rates and praised Mr. Kennedy for prioritizing this issue within the administration.
The committee has been proactive, having passed the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act with unanimous support. This legislation aims to expand access to advanced cancer screenings for seniors, an area that currently receives less than 3% of healthcare spending.
Additionally, Congresswoman Malliotakis and other representatives have introduced a bill to establish a pilot program through Medicare for providing medically tailored meals to seniors. Buchanan noted its inclusion in his American Medical Innovation and Investment Act.
Employers play a crucial role in addressing chronic disease by incentivizing employee wellness programs, which reportedly reduce healthcare costs by 72%. Buchanan reintroduced The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act alongside Congressman Panetta. This legislation offers employers flexibility with high-deductible health plans concerning pre-deductible coverage for chronic illness treatments.
Buchanan also addressed the obesity epidemic affecting over 45% of adults and 20% of children in the U.S., noting findings from the Joint Economic Committee about potential future medical expenditures related to obesity. Together with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, he launched the Congressional Preventive Health and Wellness Caucus focusing on prevention strategies including "Food as Medicine."
Congressman Smucker's launch of the MAHA Caucus aims at supporting long healthy lives through access to affordable food and improved care access. Buchanan acknowledged various efforts by committee members tackling these issues.
In conclusion, Buchanan looks forward to working with colleagues across Congress in addressing these critical health challenges.
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