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
Washington, DC – This morning, the United States Supreme Court issued their decision in Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby. In response, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement:
Washington, DC – This week, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced the Native Contract and Rate Expenditure (CARE) Act (H.R. 4843), a bill that will provide an additional 250,000 physician services annually for Native Americans through payment reforms within the Indian Health Service (IHS).
Congresswoman McCollum's Keynote Speech
Minnesota Poverty: A Call to Action
May 1, 2014
[Remarks as prepared]
Good afternoon.Thank you, Clarence,for that kind introduction andfor your leadership in our community.
I am very proud of the work you and your entire team at the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties do every day to support families and seniors.You are on the frontlines working with ourneighbors in need.Thank you for all you do!
Washington, DC – Congresswoman McCollum issued the following statement on World AIDS Day, Sunday December 1st.
“The AIDS epidemic has taken countless lives and millions of men and women around the world continue to live with this disease. There have been fantastic advancements in pursuit of a cure, thanks in large part to the work of advocates dedicated to ending this epidemic. Today, we remember those we have lost to this awful disease and honor the work of those continuing to fight for a cure.
Co-Sponsors Bill to Retroactively Pay Federal Employees Impacted by GOP Shutdown of the Government
For Immediate Release: October 1, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
“GOP extremists have succeeded at holding government and the American people hostage”
Washington, DC – Today, on the first day of the Republican shutdown of the federal government, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) issued the following statement:
Mr. Speaker, the House Republican majority has decided that appeasing radical Tea Party extremists is more important to them than providing necessary funding for the continued operation of the federal government, even on a temporary basis. Passing a common sense continuing resolution would ensure vital government services for millions of American families and business. These are the basic services provided everyday by federal agencies that keep our communities and country strong.
In letter to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the members highlighted the negative impact removing the “necessary provider” designation could have on rural health care and economies
For Immediate Release: September 20, 2013
Contact: Maria Reppas, (202) 225-6631 / (202) 527-0149 maria.reppas@mail.house.gov
Washington, DC – Today, House Republicans once again played partisan politics and passed a bill that has no hope of becoming law. The ‘Tea-Party Continuing Resolution’ (H.J.Res.59) maintains the reckless sequester, defunds ObamaCare, and fails to prevent a federal government shutdown.