I believe health care is a human right. That is why I am a proud supporter of Medicare for All. Since I came to Congress in 2007, I have supported efforts to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans. The Affordable Care Act (ACA), which I helped pass in 2010, has lowered health care costs and strengthened care for millions of Americans. This historic legislation ensures no American can be denied health insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition, bans annual and lifetime caps on coverage, guarantees essential health benefits including requirements that insurance companies cover prescription drugs and maternity care, and allows young people to stay on their parent’s health insurance until age 26. Kentucky is one of seven states that have reduced their uninsured rate by at least half through enrollment in ACA Marketplace coverage and expansion of Medicaid to adult populations. As of February 2021, the ACA has helped nearly 700,000 Kentuckians gain access to coverage, including more than 600,000 newly eligible Medicaid enrollees.

While the recently enacted American Rescue Plan builds on the ACA’s critical benefits by lowering the cost of coverage and expanding eligibility for federal subsidies to millions of Americans, there is more work to be done. New federal protections against most surprise out-of-network medical bills will take effect this year, as Congress continues work to reduce the cost of prescription drugs—including an out-of-pocket cap on insulin—improve maternal care and postpartum coverage, invest in eldercare and address longstanding racial and socio-economic inequities in the health care system.

During the 117th Congress, I will continue to support these and other vital initiatives, including efforts to expand, strengthen, and protect the health care workforce; and make record investments in medical research.