Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventive Health Savings Act

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the legacy of Dr. Michael Burgess and support this bill, H.R. 766.

If Members of Congress can agree on one thing, it is that we seek to improve the lives of our constituents. Unfortunately, CBO's current approach to how it develops cost estimates for healthcare legislation interferes with that goal by failing to take into account all the future benefits of the legislation.

CBO's current approach keeps Federal healthcare programs stuck in the status quo of simply providing care when you get sick, including expensive care, instead of focusing on providing care that keeps you healthy and hopefully from needing more expensive forms of care down the road.

CBO's current approach defies common sense, and it is imperative that Congress directs CBO to more accurately reflect the long-term cost saving potential of preventive healthcare initiatives. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 766.

To ensure Congress can better evaluate meaningful and impactful healthcare policies that bolster access and quality of care, Congress must pass this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the Community Oncology Alliance supporting H.R. 766. Community Oncology Alliance, Washington, DC, March 18, 2024. Re Community Oncology Alliance Support of The Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventative Health Savings Act (H.R. 766). Hon. Jodey Arrington, Chairman, House Budget Committee, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Arrington: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Community Oncology Alliance (``COA''), we applaud the House Budget Committee for advancing The Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventative Health Savings Act (H.R. 766) to a floor vote of this important bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Dr. Burgess with Congresswoman Diana DeGette.

As you know, COA is an organization dedicated to advocating for the complex care and access needs of patients with cancer and the community oncology practices that serve them. COA is the only non-profit organization in the United States dedicated solely to independent community oncology practices, which serve the majority of Americans receiving treatment for cancer. Since its grassroots founding over 20 years ago, COA's mission has been to ensure that patients with cancer receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities where they live and work, regardless of their racial, ethnic, demographic, or socioeconomic status.

The limitation of the 10-year scoring window is a severe obstacle to realizing the savings from preventive health care legislation. It is unrealistic to expect that many, if not most, preventative health care initiatives can return positive savings by 10 years. As a result of the current scoring mandate on the Congressional Budget Office, many, if not most, preventative health care initiatives are not implemented because of funding constraints.

With cancer, we have more effective treatments, but it is essential that we look for ways of preventing this disease that impacts so many Americans. Unfortunately, artificial scoring mandates undermine the adoption of preventive care initiatives. As a result, COA supports the passage of H.R. 766, and we greatly appreciate your work and that of your staff in the landmark advancement of this legislation out of your committee. Sincerely, Ted Okon, Executive Director.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source