Improving Health Care & Prescription Drug Prices

Michigan families deserve access to quality, affordable health care coverage that helps protect their financial future. Because of the Affordable Care Act, which Gary voted for, insurance companies can no longer discriminate because of preexisting conditions. Women cannot be charged more than men for their health care simply because of their gender. Young people getting their start in life can stay on their parents’ health plans until age 26. People are no longer locked into a job because they need health care. Health care cost increases are finally being brought under control. Gary will always stand against efforts that would undo the progress that’s been made.

Gary will continue supporting bipartisan, commonsense efforts to improve the law to make quality health care more affordable and accessible for Michiganders.

In Gary’s conversations with Michiganders about health care, one consistent theme has been clear: prescription drug costs are too high. Seniors and families shouldn’t be forced to decide between paying their bills and putting food on the table or filling their prescriptions. Gary supports allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower prescription drug prices. As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee, Gary launched an investigation into the costs of prescription drugs, which found increasing cost of prescription medications, a growing number of drug shortages, and the United States’ increasing reliance on foreign sources to produce the lifesaving medications that millions of Americans depend on. As a result, Gary authored legislation to bring the manufacturing of critical drugs and medical supplies back to the United States. Gary will continue exploring ways to reduce these costs and encourage production of medical supplies in the United States.

The opioid epidemic has decimated communities across Michigan. Almost everyone knows someone who is addicted to opioids or lost a friend or loved one from an overdose. But unfortunately, opioid addiction has also had a devastating effect on young adults. Gary introduced a bipartisan bill that was signed into law to expand access to opioid addiction treatment – including Medication-assisted treatment – for adolescents, setting them on a path toward recovery.