I'm Fighting to Protect Health Care for Our Most Vulnerable
Washington, DC,
February 14, 2020
I know that health care is on a lot of people's minds, and it's on mine too -- especially as Washington Republicans continue to threaten access to care for the people who need it most, like our seniors, the disabled, children and people with pre-existing conditions. I want you to know that I will continue to stand opposed to efforts to undercut Medicare, Medicaid, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which, among many other things, ensures people with pre-existing medical conditions can get health insurance. Preventing Cuts to MedicaidThe Department of Health and Human Services has proposed to turn Medicaid into a block grant program, which would put health care for nearly 3,000,000 Pennsylvanians at risk and jeopardize our rural hospitals. And did you know 6 out of every 10 of our nursing home residents depends on Medicaid? I’m working to stick up for the people who rely on Medicaid for their health care and highlight why we can't afford any cuts to this lifesaving program. Why it's so Important to Protect People with Pre-Existing ConditionsEvery year for the State of the Union Address, each member of Congress may invite one guest to join them in the gallery. This year, I had the honor of bringing Ben Tielle of Pittston. I invited Ben because I wanted to shine a light on what's at stake if Washington Republicans and others from several states succeed in their effort to overturn the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the courts. As someone with multiple pre-existing conditions, Ben is counting on this law to ensure he can get health insurance as he looks for a new plan. A Way to Strengthen Our Rural CommunitiesAt a time when urban issues get plenty of attention, we need to make sure small towns don't get left behind. That’s why I introduced the THRIVE Act with my Republican colleague Hal Rogers from Kentucky. This bill directs federal dollars toward critical projects to improve health care services, expand broadband internet access, assist small businesses and strengthen schools in our rural communities. Constituent Success Story: Robert CurranEarlier this year, the Curran family contacted my office for help. Their son, Robert, who has Down Syndrome, stopped receiving his social security assistance without explanation in the middle of last year. I'm happy to report that one of my constituent advocates was able to resolve this issue with the Social Security Administration and get Robert's assistance reinstated. If you are seeking help with a federal government agency, my office is happy to assist. To find out more about the many ways my office can assist you, visit my website here. Momentum for Abandoned Mine Clean-Up in NEPAOur region has more unreclaimed abandoned mines than almost any other part of the country, so ensuring these dangerous and unsightly places get cleaned up and revitalized is a top priority for me. This year, our state will get more than $32,000,000 to support this important work this year. The grants from this program help clean up toxic mine drainage, restore blighted areas, and create jobs and economic opportunities on these previously unusable lands. The 2020 CensusBeginning in April, the U.S. Census Bureau will conduct our nation’s next census, a count of everyone living in the United States that takes place every ten years as required by the Constitution. It's important to participate because it helps determine funding levels for critical programs such as Medicare, and it ensures that we receive our fair share of federal dollars in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Click here for more information about the 2020 Census. |