The Chronic Care Policy Alliance recognizes and deeply appreciates the efforts of leaders who prioritize patient care and strive to improve health outcomes for all. Today, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Congressmember Raul Ruiz, MD, for his leadership and commitment to advancing the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 2407) and Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (H.R. 4818).
During a recent committee markup, Dr. Ruiz spoke passionately about the need for Congress to take urgent action on H.R. 2407 and H.R. 4818. His words resonate with millions of Americans who understand the devastating impact of cancer and obesity on individuals, families, and communities:
“I’ve seen the devastation of cancer and obesity firsthand. As a physician and as a Member of Congress, I strive to find ways to reduce the burdens on patients, their families, and their loved ones. And that’s why I, along with a bipartisan group of members, Representatives Hudson, Sewell, and Arrington, continue to push forward the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act, a bill that will ensure that Medicare beneficiaries can benefit from new multi-cancer early detection screening tests that will find more cancers earlier, improve quality of life, and reduce cancer deaths and costs….
We also need to address the growing impact of obesity in our nation to improve health outcomes. We can do this by passing H.R. 4818 the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act or TROA, which has widespread bipartisan support. TROA would allow Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications and expand access to behavioral health therapy for treatment of this disease.”
See his full comments here.
Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your leadership and dedication to improving healthcare for all Americans. We urge Congress to follow Dr. Ruiz’s lead and pass these life-saving pieces of legislation now.