Rep. McBath Votes on Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act
Statement
oday, Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Marietta) voted to pass H.R 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act, a major piece of legislation that addresses two top concerns of the American people -- lowering prescription drug prices and defending vital protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The legislation included an amendment introduced by McBath that would ensure that future pharmacists and those in the workforce are provided with materials regarding generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. It also included the MORE Health Education Act that McBath introduced earlier this year.
"I have heard from many of my constituents that they are worried about their health care. They are worried about whether or not they can afford their prescription drugs. They are worried because they have a pre-existing condition. More than 300,000 residents of the Sixth District have a pre-exiting condition." said Rep. McBath. "I am worried about their health care. That is why it is so important that H.R. 987 was passed out of the House tonight. This bill combines key pieces of legislation that lower drug costs, strengthen health care, reverse the Administration's sabotage, and rescinds the Administration's junk plan rule."
McBath's amendment to H.R 987 was unanimously agreed to -- it would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education make every effort necessary to ensuring appropriate outreach to institutions of higher education to ensure that students and faculty at schools of pharmacy are provided with appropriate materials regarding generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. This will allow for students and faculty to have material on how generic drugs and biosimilar biological products are equivalent or like brand-name drugs.
The legislation that was passed today includes language from the MORE Health Education Act -- a bill Rep. McBath introduced with Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Dan Kildee (MI-5), in February. The legislation would reverse funding cuts to Affordable Care Act education, marketing, and outreach efforts and would assist providers and navigators in educating Americans about open enrollment dates, coverage options, and financial support available to the public.
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