Expanding Access to Healthcare
Arizona families deserve a health care system that works for everyone--regardless of one’s income or zip code.
That starts with reducing prescription drug costs for seniors, capping insulin at just $35 a month, cracking down on fraud and waste in Medicare’s hospice networks, expanding access to quality healthcare services in the Valley, and protecting insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions.
I’m advocating for the health and wellbeing of all Arizonans in Washington--whether it’s legislation to improve health outcomes for Native Americans and fund Valley Fever vaccine research. That includes restoring a woman’s right to safe, comprehensive reproductive care and protecting access to contraceptives and IVF.
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The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer.
On Dec. 12, the House of Representative took a vital step to lower prescription drug costs and passed the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. This bipartisan bill offers real relief to the millions of Americans who struggle to afford their needed medications. The bill would allow Medicare to use its buying power to negotiate lower drug prices, create an out-of-pocket cap for seniors in Medicare Part D, and crack down on excessive drug price increases.
Two Arizona congressmen hosted a Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) roundtable Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix to gather updated information on the fungal infection from physicians, scientists, health care advocates and survivors.
STEVE GOLDSTEIN: On Wednesday, two Arizona congressmen discussed a bipartisan measure they hope will combat valley fever. Republican David Schweikert and Democrat Greg Stanton met with survivors, health care advocates and providers. Valley fever is regional disease that is potentially deadly and there is no cure. KJZZ's Kathy Ritchie attended yesterday's roundtable discussion and she's here to tell us what she learned. Good morning, Kathy
KATHY RITCHIE: Good morning.
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Two Arizona congressmen from opposite sides of the aisle are trying raise awareness about Valley fever as the number of diagnosed cases in Arizona is skyrocketing.
Reps. David Schweikert (R) and Greg Stanton (D) co-sponsored the FORWARD Act, which also aims to raise funding for possible cures or vaccines.
On Wednesday, they held a panel discussion with doctors and survivors of Valley fever in Phoenix.
The Arizona Department of Health Services reports there are about 6,200 verified cases on the potentially lethal illness as of Wednesday.
Immigrants and community members were invited by National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum to share their stories about the health care system on Saturday in front of Arizona and national leaders.
Congressman Greg Stanton, representing Arizona's 9th Congressional District, and state representative from District 30 Raquel Teran, as well as local leaders and advocates, listened to people discuss their medical care experiences in the U.S. at the Japanese American Citizens League Hall in Glendale.
PHOENIX, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Congressman David Schweikert and other U.S. lawmakers from Arizona are hoping to pass a Valley Fever bill.
Valley Fever is a fungal infection that is acquired when you inhale spores that come out of the ground. It does not have a cure or a vaccine.
Arizonans feeling ill from respiratory problems that seem like pneumonia or the flu might want to ask for a valley fever test.
A surge in cases of the potentially deadly respiratory disease began last year and has continued into 2019, with 4,869 cases reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services so far this year.
WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, the House passed its second appropriations bill to fund the federal government through fiscal year 2020. Rep. Greg Stanton voted in favor of the bill, which included several measures he pushed for on behalf of Arizona families.
"With this second funding bill, we continued to fight for smart, forward-thinking investments that can make a difference in Arizona," said Stanton.