The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act represents a landmark turning point that will improve the health of this country.
As physicians, we see firsthand the struggles and impact when patients cannot afford needed healthcare. Research has shown that four in ten U.S. adults report having delayed or gone without health care in the past year due to cost. In addition, many Americans over 65 years of age report challenges in paying for healthcare. Key provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act address medication affordability by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, placing a cap on out of pocket expenditures under Medicare Part D, expanding eligibility for low income subsidies, and more. An important provision in this bill is the extension of subsidies for insurance coverage provided through the Affordable Care Act. These subsidy extensions alone will prevent significant increased costs for nearly 13 million Americans and allow them continued access to affordable healthcare.
In addition, the Inflation Reduction Act addresses the growing threat of climate change on the health of Americans–an issue that can no longer be ignored. This bill will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and save lives. It will also ensure that adequate resources are directed at those disadvantaged communities who are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
AMWA President Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber states, “AMWA has long been an advocate of healthcare for all, and we are enthusiastic about the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act which includes funding for those in need. AMWA recognizes that the ability to provide medical care to our communities is essential for their continued wellbeing. As physicians we see first-hand the impact of pollutants on our patients, the difficulty of getting prescriptions filled, and the devastating impact of chronic disease on families. AMWA applauds the actions that have brought the Inflation Reduction Act into reality.”
We look forward to President Biden signing this bill into law and to working with this administration to carry out these new policies.
