We Are Taking Powerful Steps to Improve Healthcare for All Americans November 5, 2022 Dear Friends, In the wealthiest nation in the world, medical bills should not be something that Americans struggle to pay. But for far too many, that has long been the reality.Over the years, I’ve pushed to invest in our healthcare system and make accessible the critical treatments that many of our loved ones and neighbors need to lead full and healthy lives. From addiction treatments and mental health services to assistance for seniors and research into Alzheimer’s, I’m encouraged by the work that we’ve achieved and the steps that are being taken right now to improve healthcare for all. Most notably, Democrats’ successful effort to enact the Inflation Reduction Act will have life-changing health benefits for millions. This law takes significant action to lower the cost of healthcare, expanding the Affordable Care Act to bring health insurance to 3 million more Americans and ensure another 13 million continue to save an average of $800 per year on insurance premiums. This legislation also reduces the cost of prescription drugs, allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices and capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for Medicare beneficiaries.But our work to improve and expand healthcare services are not limited to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Just this week, I visited ConnectRX pharmacy in Watervliet to highlight recent federal action that makes hearing aids available over the counter for the first time.It is currently estimated that 30 million Americans experience hearing loss, including nearly 10 million adults under the age of 60. The negative effects of untreated hearing loss are extensive, and contribute to isolation, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Despite this, the vast majority of those experiencing hearing loss do not seek hearing aids, in large part due to unattainable costs. But a few weeks ago, after rigorous work on establishing safety and efficacy standards, over-the-counter hearing aids were finally made available. Now, people right here in our Capital Region can walk right into a CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart, and purchase hearing aids right off the shelf or online. The availability of these affordable, over-the-counter hearing aids will lower the average cost of one pair by $2,800!For the millions of individuals living with hearing loss, this is a huge step forward. But I also recognize that there is more work to be done to expand health coverage, equity, and affordability for all, not just for those with hearing impairments. I have long worked alongside the Alzheimer’s community to spur investments, research, and care into Alzheimer’s disease and its devastating effects, and I’ve been honored to partner with the inspiring advocates of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This week, I led my colleagues in a bipartisan call to improve equity and access to diagnostic tests that can detect Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, these tests—known commonly as PET beta amyloid imaging—are limited under Medicare to one scan per patient per lifetime. Further, patients must be enrolled in a clinical trial for the scan to be covered. So despite the ability of this scan to detect Alzheimer’s years and even decades before the onset of symptoms such as memory loss, arbitrary and bureaucratic barriers hinder access, most significantly for communities of color, rural, and disadvantaged groups.It is my hope and expectation that we remove these outdated barriers and open the doors of access to the millions who would benefit from this care. In this and in all other areas of medical care, I firmly believe in building a healthcare system that truly meets the needs of our communities.And I know that if we are resolute in our effort and guided by science and compassion, we will achieve that goal. As always, thank you for reading. Your friend, DID YOU KNOW?My office and I are working to ensure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:On Saturday, November 12, Albany Law School will be hosting its annual Veterans' Pro Bono Project.WHAT: Veterans Services and Counseling ConsortiumWHAT: Saturday, Nov. 12th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM (lunch from 12:00-1:00PM)WHERE: Albany Law School1928 building, 80 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12180Veterans, current service members, and their families are invited to Albany Law School for in-person one-on-one legal consultations from a volunteer attorneyThis year, Albany Law’s Justice Center will be holding this event in partnership with the McNulty Veteran Business Center and The Legal ProjectRepresentatives of numerous Veteran services organizations will be in attendance to include information in the areas of veteran benefits, housing assistance, veteran entrepreneurship, and legal expertise. A list of those services and additional details can be found here.Register for this free event HERE.Contact [email protected] or (518) 445-3206 if you have difficulty registering.