Health

DelBene Statement on Ways & Means Tax Package Markup

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after the Ways & Means tax package markup. “This is an imperfect bill in many ways but that is the reality of divided government. It nevertheless includes several provisions that I have long advocated for that would help support workers and families and grow our economy. That is why I voted to advance the…

Congressional Prior Auth Champions Welcome New CMS Regulations

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Ami Bera, MD (CA-06), and Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08), and Senators Roger Marshall, MD (KS), Sherrod Brown (OH), John Thune (SD), and Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) issued the following statement on CMS’ long-awaited prior authorization regulations:  “Today’s action by CMS is a major win for seniors and their families. These new…

DelBene Celebrates Second Anniversary of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement celebrating the second anniversary of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: "Two years ago, President Biden and Congress made the largest investment in America’s infrastructure since the interstate highway system. In the years since, the law has continued to drive Washington forward, delivering…

DelBene, Hoyle Push Federal Agencies to Issue Wildfire Smoke Alerts

| Posted in Press Releases

Congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Val Hoyle (OR-04) led 20 lawmakers in calling on federal agencies to equip communities facing increasing wildfire smoke incidents with better tools and data to keep them safe. In a letter, the lawmakers urged the Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to…

DelBene, Obernolte Introduce Bill to Remove Barriers for Organ Donors

| Posted in Press Releases
Tags: Health

Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Jay Obernolte (CA-23) introduced bipartisan legislation to increase the number of living organ donors eligible for federal assistance through the National Living Donor Assistance Center. The Honor Our Living Donors (HOLD) Act will allow more donors to qualify for wage, travel, and caregiver reimbursement when donating…

DelBene, Miller, Cárdenas, Bucshon Urge Medicare to Expand Access to Home Dialysis

| Posted in Press Releases

Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Carol Miller (WV-01), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), and Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand access to home dialysis for Americans on Medicare. In a letter, the lawmakers urged Medicare to expand coverage for home dialysis to Medicare patients at risk of or currently diagnosed with acute…

DelBene: Government Not Shutdown Today Because Democrats Held Fast Against GOP Extremism

| Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined MSNBC’s The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart to discuss how Congress successfully avoided a Republican-led government shutdown. The video can be found here and the transcript is below.   Capehart: Congresswoman, welcome back to The Sunday Show. Just, before we talk about why you’re really here, your reaction to…

DelBene Announces $1.3M for Kirkland Jail Addiction Treatment Program

| Posted in Press Releases
Tags: Health

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to establish a new comprehensive substance use treatment program at the Kirkland City Jail. The city will use this funding to create a holistic and evidence-based program that includes screenings, on-site treatment, support services, and reentry planning for incarcerated people with substance use…

DelBene: ’MAGA Shutdown Threatens Families, Economy

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) joined House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33) and Vice Chair Ted Lieu (CA-36) to highlight House Democrats’ accomplishments in strengthening the economy and middle-class, lowering costs, increasing wages for workers, and achieving record-low unemployment rates. Meanwhile, Republicans are willing to risk a government shutdown to…

Politico: Lawmakers play waiting game with CMS in bid to reform prior authorization

| Posted in In the News
Tags: Health

Doctors have long complained to Congress about the time-consuming paperwork and delayed care that comes when insurers fail to authorize costly procedures or treatments. Lawmakers are sympathetic, but their ability to act may hinge on an upcoming rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A bipartisan bill from Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) and Rep. Suzan…