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Hi John.
Throughout my time in the House, I’ve made it a top priority to lower the cost of health care.
In a medical emergency, the last thing any family should have to do deal with is a surprise medical bill. Or to be forced to choose between paying for rent and lifesaving prescription drugs. Instead of more division and extremism, Kansans need concrete and bipartisan solutions to drive down the cost of health care.
We have a lot more work to do – but I’m pleased to share that we’ve also made some key progress. That begins with passing a law that finally stands up to Big Pharma and lets Medicare negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.
Do you need help with health care? Please click here to find resources for you and your family – including low cost insurance options and other resources.
At a time of rising prices, I understand that many Kansans are frustrated by gridlock and partisanship. Hardworking Kansans need solutions to the challenges they’re facing, including the cost of health care.
That’s why I –
• Voted for the law that finally lets Medicare negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. This is a groundbreaking reform that finally puts patients first – not the profits of huge pharmaceutical companies. The law also caps the cost of insulin copays for seniors on Medicare at $35 a month, and caps seniors out-of-pocket costs at $2,000. And next year, drug companies will have to pay Medicare a rebate if they increase their prices faster than inflation.
• Worked with Republicans and Democrats to ban surprise medical bills. I helped pass a new bipartisan law during President Trump’s Administration to ban surprise medical billing. I’m pleased to say that the law has now taken effect and we’re seeing positive results. Earlier this year, the law blocked more than 2 million surprise bills – far more than originally expected. The law also includes my bill that requires health insurance plans to update their provider directories more frequently. This way, families aren’t caught off guard by unexpected out-of-network charges.
• Lowered premiums by cutting taxes for people who buy their own health insurance. These tax breaks save the average household in the Kansas Third District $3,800 on health insurance premiums each year. I voted for a law that secures these tax breaks for another three years to provide certainty and peace of mind to Kansas families.
• Introduced the Empowering Parents' Healthcare Choices Act to protect new families from unexpected bills. After a local family shared with me how an arbitrary insurance rule led to unexpected medical bills, I introduced a new bill to fix it. The so-called birthday rule says that when two parents with separate insurance plans have a baby, their baby is covered by the plan of the parent whose birthday comes first in the calendar year. It’s arbitrary, confusing, and can lead to higher costs. My bill lets parents make their own decisions about their family’s medical and financial decisions.
• Passed new incentives to push for Medicaid expansion in Kansas. I’m a strong supporter of expanding Medicaid in Kansas – which would expand coverage to an estimated 165,000 Kansans. That’s why I helped pass a new law to help Kansas pay for Medicaid expansion. The Kansas state legislature, unfortunately, has so far failed to expand Medicaid due to partisan politics. So I’m focused on solutions at the federal level to get this job done.
I understand that the cost of health care is a burden on local families and small businesses. I’m committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and premiums.
I understand Kansans are grappling with high prices on gas and groceries. The high cost of health care certainly isn’t making things any easier. We’ve made some important progress, but I know we have to keep it up. I’m focused on concrete and bipartisan solutions to build a better future – with more jobs and lower prices.
Remember, if you need any resources, please visit our website – including to find help with health care costs. We’re always here to serve you, regardless of party.
Feel free to forward this email to anyone you know. You can also click here to ask any questions or to share your thoughts.
My warmest regards,
Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress
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Remember, if you ever need help right away with the federal government – anything from backlogged veterans’ benefits to stalled tax refunds – please contact my office in Overland Park at (913) 621-0832 or in Kansas City at (913) 766-3993. You’re also welcome to contact my office to share your concerns on any issue.
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