Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Vice Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Chairman of the House Budget Committee Health Care Task Force, drafted an op-ed highlighting the inaugural Health Care Task Force roundtable today.
America’s Fiscal Health Check: Health Care Task Force Tackles Health Care Spending
The Washington Times
October 26, 2023
Read full op-ed here.
American families are gathering around the dining room table, trying to figure out how to tighten their belts while the federal government looks for new ways to spend their tax dollars.
With nearly one-third of the total $6.4 trillion in federal government spending this year on health care, it is time Congress follows the lead of American families and acts to get Washington’s health care spending under control. Today marks the inaugural meeting of the House Budget Committee Health Care Task Force, which aims to shed light on the pressing issue of rising health care costs and their implications on our nation’s budget.
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Today, we consider one of those issues - the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Medicare drug price control scheme. We have already seen its profound impact on medical innovation, with fewer life-saving medications making it to patients. The initial CBO estimates projected a marginal reduction in drug introductions, but independent analyses present a picture that is much more dire. Many foresee a higher number of patients being denied access to vital medicines, and some drug manufacturers have already halted innovative research and development.
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The work of the Health Care Task Force reflects the needs of our country as we examine these issues at the federal level. Today, we take our first step using this platform to spark constructive dialogue and propel our federal government toward a more accurate and intentional approach to health care spending.
Although the American bottom line matters, this effort is not just about numbers; it’s about shaping the future of health care and ensuring the well-being of American patients.
