Westerman Appointed to Healthy Future Task Force

Press Release

WASHINGTON -- Yesterday, Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy announced the appointment of Congressman Bruce Westerman (R-AR) to the Healthy Future Task Force. The Task Force will build on Republican health policy successes and craft a patient-focused agenda for the future.

"I am grateful to Leader McCarthy for forming the Healthy Future Task Force to spearhead the development of solutions to improve affordability, choice, and quality of health care through competition and innovation," said Congressman Westerman. "A top-down, one-size-fits-all approach to health care, such as Medicare for All, would result in restricted access and lower-quality care for patients while severely burdening tax-payers. Instead, I look forward to helping the Task Force develop and implement market-based solutions to improve health care at lower costs for every American."

Background:

Leader McCarthy appointed Reps. Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Devin Nunes (CA-22) to lead the Task Force along with the following House Republicans:

Tom Cole (OK-04)

Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08)

Morgan Griffith (VA-09)

Mike Kelly (PA-16)

Richard Hudson (NC-08)

Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (OH-02)

Rick Allen (GA-12)

Jim Banks (IN-03)

Kevin Hern (OK-01)

John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13)

Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03)

Beth Van Duyne (TX-24)

Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-02)

Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

Republicans have a long record of patient-oriented accomplishments including:

A Historic Ban on Surprise Medical Bills
21st Century Cures
The Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit for Seniors
Medicare Advantage
Expanding Telehealth
Record Investments in the NIH
Fighting the Opioid Epidemic
The Children's Health Insurance Program
Protections for Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions
The Healthy Future Task Force will listen, learn, and lead in developing this next chapter of the health care agenda. The Task Force will craft legislative proposals setting the framework for Republican policy moving forward. This agenda will focus on:

Breaking down barriers to help all Americans live healthier and longer lives
Increasing care choices
Expanding the range of available providers
Encouraging investment in new cures and therapies
Lowering the cost of health services
Providing a strong safety net for the most vulnerable Americans
Protecting access to care for all Americans
Ensuring patients remain in control of their health care

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