Representative Kat Cammack (R-FL) is introducing legislation to protect vulnerable Americans from drastic federal healthcare decisions that could affect the quality of their care.
Specifically, Rep. Cammack's Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act prohibits the use of a system known as Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) in federal healthcare programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Such a move protects Americans with chronic conditions, rare illnesses, and disabilities from being devalued in these programs, which could affect their ability to receive treatment.
"The use of so-called cost-effective measures like QALYs threatens access to lifesaving care for the most vulnerable Americans," said Rep. Cammack in her press release, adding, "I am honored to lead this legislation alongside my colleague Rep. Kevin Hern to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because a mathematical formula decided their life is worth less. Every American—regardless of disability, chronic illness, or rare condition—deserves equal access to care."
Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK), the bill's cosponsor, said, "QALY measurements strip humanity away from a patient, leaving only dollar signs and data points. That has no place in our health care system."
"Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and given the best care available," Rep. Hern continued. "I am proud to join Congresswoman Cammack on this bill to ban QALY measurements in all federal health care programs."
At the beginning of April, the Florida Congresswoman introduced the Alleviating Barriers to Caregivers Act, which eases the regulatory burden on family caregivers of Social Security, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients.
"America's family caregivers work around the clock to provide essential care for their loved ones, and over half act as advocates on behalf of their family members," Cammack said. "The last thing these caregivers need is more red tape that distracts from their support for those in their care."
