Health

Federal health policy is very personal, and that is why I am working to get the government out of the middle.

Since coming to Congress in 2011, I have voted countless times to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). From all of the stories I have heard and the data that we have seen, one thing is true – Obamacare is on a completely unsustainable path. Without congressional action, individuals across the country will continue seeing skyrocketing premiums, rising deductibles, dropped coverage, and minimal options. In fact, South Carolina is one of five states in the country that only had one insurer left on the Obamacare exchange for 2017. This monopolized and stifled health care market is not what the American people asked for.

Although I believe in a full repeal of Obamacare, it is vital that we enact a free-market replacement to restore competition, lower costs, and increase options. I was adamantly opposed to the government takeover of the health care industry by Obamacare, but I do not believe we should be satisfied with the status quo that existed prior to 2010. I am a strong believer that one size does not fit all and I believe that a free market solution is what the American people deserve. The federal government too often likes to act as a micromanager. However, how you handle your healthcare is extremely personal and that is why I will not stop my efforts to get the government out from the middle of it all. 

If free market reforms were implemented, we would see greater competition between health care providers and insurers, not provider monopolies. I believe individuals should have the opportunity to purchase insurance across state lines and through avenues such as member associations and should be able to use additives to health insurance like health savings accounts (HSAs). Americans should have the ability to choose the coverage they see fit, not what the government sees fit. Free-market competition creates innovation, increases quality, and lowers prices as providers must compete more for business.

Opioid Crisis: President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency on October 26, 2017 to signal his entire Cabinet to use their individual departments to fight this fight in whatever capacity they can. Further, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which I am a member of, held a full committee hearing with top government officials to study the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and the 21st Century Cures Act which both became law last Congress. Most recently, the subcommittee on health held a hearing where they examined various legislative solutions to ensure that doctors and pharmacists can safely and effectively administer their services involving opioids. As individual states and the U.S. Congress continue to address the growing opioid epidemic, it is crucial we do not impede on the doctor-patient relationship. While everyone needs to do their best to not overprescribe, we should ensure that doctors can still prescribe legitimate medications to help those in need.

For more information, please contact my Washington, DC office.

I look forward to your feedback on this issue. Thank you!