Staff Reports
In an epic showdown of political mastery, the House just slayed the Democrats by passing the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, HR 485. This game-changing legislation, which sailed through with a 211 to 208 vote, has Democrats shaking in their boots. Why? Because this bill throws up a big, beautiful wall against federally funded healthcare programs from using shady cost-saving practices that discriminate against people with disabilities. Boom! Take that, Dems!
But hold onto your hats because that’s not all. The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act also delivers a knockout punch by sticking it to those sneaky federal healthcare payers who use quality-adjusted life years, or QALYs, and other whack measures to decide who gets coverage. This bill shuts it down, saying “No way!” to using QALYs to determine patient coverage. It’s like saying “No, thank you” to a soggy sandwich—just not gonna happen!
House Republicans pass a healthcare bill from @cathymcmorris prohibiting federal health programs from using quality-adjusted life years to discriminate against people with disabilities.
Full story @dcexaminer https://t.co/lyGzGjnmnH
— Gabrielle M. Etzel (@UnvarnishedGME) February 7, 2024
The Republican hero behind this genius move is none other than Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). This fierce lady boss is the brains behind the entire operation. In fact, she’s so passionate about this bill that she’s got some skin in the game, advocating for her son, Cole, who has Down syndrome. Rodgers isn’t just playing around, she’s fighting for her son and all people with disabilities, making sure they get the healthcare they deserve.
But wait, there’s more! Over 100 patient advocacy organizations have rallied behind this bill, spitting fire at those using QALYs as an “antiquated metric” that doesn’t meet science-based standards. CEO of Patients Rising, Terry Wilcox, gets real when she says that QALYs just don’t cut it. They don’t capture what truly matters—meaningful health improvements and individual values. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, and Republicans are here to set the record straight.
Let’s hear it for the Republicans who stepped up to defend this bill! Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN) brought the heat, slamming QALY metrics for intentionally devaluing treatments for disabled and chronically ill patients. They didn’t mince words, calling it disgusting and rationalized healthcare. That’s right, they dropped the mic and the Democrats were left speechless.
But of course, the Democrats couldn’t help themselves from whining about this historic win for the GOP. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) cried foul, calling HR 485 “dangerous legislation” and claiming it’s a “blank check” to the pharmaceutical industry. Nice try, Dems, but the reality is that the Republicans are out here fighting for what’s right, protecting people with disabilities from discrimination and standing up against biased metrics. Take that, Democrats!
Former Democratic California Rep. Tony Coelho, a big shot in the Americans with Disabilities Act, even threw his support behind the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, as a way to stick it to QALYs and similar cost analysis measures. See, it’s not just the Republicans who get it—Democrats can play nice too when it comes to banning discriminatory measures against people with disabilities. This is what unity looks like, folks!
In conclusion, the House has spoken loud and clear: HR 485 is a massive victory for the GOP, a colossal blow to the Democrats, and a pivotal moment in the fight for fair and just healthcare. As Energy and Commerce Committee Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said, “Banning the use of discriminatory measures by federal payers against people with disabilities and chronic illness is something we can all come together on.” Can I get an amen? That’s a wrap, folks!
