Columbus Standard

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN-06) has shown his support for protecting Americans with disabilities and chronic illnesses from discrimination by voting in favor of H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. The legislation specifically aims to ban Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and similar measures from being used in federal health care programs, ensuring that these programs do not discriminate against individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

The use of QALYs and similar measures in federal health payers has been a concern for many, as these measures assign a dollar value to a patient's life in order to determine the cost-effectiveness of certain medical treatments. However, this approach often discounts the worth and needs of individuals solely based on their disability or chronic illness.

In support of the legislation, Congressman Pence emphasized the importance of recognizing the sanctity of every person's life. He stated, "Every life is a gift from God. Yet, when the government uses Quality-Adjusted Life Years, the bureaucracy is heartlessly determining the value of a person's life and can deny critical health care services due to that measurement. This is unconscionable, and I will not allow the federal government to have the power to determine if someone's life is worth living."

The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act ensures that federal health care programs, including Medicaid and VA Health Care, are not allowed to use measures like QALYs. Medicare, the current exception, already prohibits the use of such measures. By extending this ban to all federal health care programs, the legislation aims to protect the millions of Americans with disabilities and chronic illnesses who rely on these programs for their healthcare needs.

Congressman Pence further emphasized his commitment to finding fiscally and ethically responsible solutions to reduce health care costs without devaluing the sanctity of life. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he will continue to work towards these solutions throughout his tenure on the Health Subcommittee in Congress.

The Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act ensures that individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses are not discriminated against based on their conditions. By banning the use of QALYs and similar measures in federal health care programs, the legislation upholds the principle that every person's life is precious and deserving of equal access to healthcare.

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About Congressman Greg Pence:

Congressman Greg Pence represents Indiana's 6th District and is a staunch advocate for conservative Hoosier values. Hailing from Columbus, Indiana, Pence serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he works to uphold the interests of his constituents and promote responsible and effective healthcare solutions.