Health Care
All Americans should have comprehensive, affordable, quality health care as a fundamental right. The Affordable Care Act, which I voted for in 2010, has been a major step in the right direction. It has expanded health coverage and protected patients, no matter how you get your insurance. However, we have more work to do to reduce costs, including out-of-control prescription drug costs, and to further improve the quality of care.
In Congress, I strongly oppose efforts to repeal or undermine the Affordable Care Act, weaken Medicaid for vulnerable Americans, or endanger Medicare for seniors today and in the future. I strongly support creating a public option in our health care system, efforts to address health disparities, and policies that will address the rise of prescription drug costs. We must also do more to ensure all Americans have access to mental and behavioral health services. To fulfill our goal of a true universal health care system, I have proposed the America’s Right to Health Care Amendment, which would enshrine a fundamental right to health care in our Constitution.
More on Health Care
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL–Minn.) introduced a five-year reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that reaffirms the U.S. commitment to combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The bipartisan fiscal year 2019 Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act includes a provision offered by Representative Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) that enables individuals who are diagnosed with cancer to defer payments on their public student loans while actively receiving lifesaving treatment.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement after she voted against the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2017 (H.R. 184):
The medical device industry serves a vital role in Minnesota by supporting thousands of jobs and providing lifesaving technology.
Representative Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) yesterday offered an amendment during the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education appropriations bill markup that would permit individuals who are diagnosed with cancer to defer payments on their public student loans while they receive lifesaving treatment. This amendment was adopted by the House Appropriations Committee.