Healthcare@

Saturday, August 4, 2018

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The people's House accomplished a great deal of work this July. We passed landmark legislation to improve career and technical education programs. We passed a defense bill that provides the authorities and resources for our men and women of the Armed Forces to do the job we've asked them to do. We also passed a series of bills targeted at lowering healthcare costs – specifically the cost of medication and premiums.

To see more of what I was up to this month, check it out below!

I was honored to receive the Transparency and Accountability Democracy Award from the Congressional Management Foundation! My number one priority is listening to the people I represent and using their thoughts, concerns, and insights to better represent them in Washington.

I stopped by Carepac Pharmacy in Mechanicsville to talk with folks about solutions to the rising cost of premiums and prescription drug prices. I am still focused on fighting for a health care system where doctors and patients can be in control of their own health care decisions and everyday American families have the option to see a doctor of their choice.

I enjoyed spending the Fourth of July traveling across the First District, celebrating the gift of liberty, and talking with constituents about the latest happenings in Washington.

I visited with Minuteman Press in Ashland to hear how their business has benefited from the work Congress has done to bring our our booming economy.

I enjoyed visiting the Hanover Regional Governor's School for Career and Technical Advancement to see how our students are developing tangible skill sets to succeed in the workforce.

I spoke with American Enterprise Institute about how our Navy does not consistently receive the predictable funding it truly needs nor does it have the requisite ships to meet global demand. This proves that now more than ever we must reach a fleet of 355 ships to meet global demand.

I toured Trivett's Furniture in Fredericksburg and spoke with folks about how Congress is working to get government out of the way so small businesses can succeed.

I toured the Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover with the McShin Foundation. I'm grateful for their work to assist folks struggling with addiction and I enjoyed our conversation about criminal justice reform and Congress' continued work to combat the opioid epidemic.

MY LATEST OPED:

The Marines Still Need a New Amphibious Combat Vehicle (Defense One)

THIS MONTH'S CLIPS:

Virginia officials weigh in on Trump's nomination of Kavanaugh (Richmond Times Dispatch)

Navy's New Amphibs Must Be Ready for a High-Tech Fight, 2-Star Says (Military.com)

Spotsylvania man's case illustrates ongoing problems with VA facilities (Free Lance Star)

WTAS: Continued Support for Judge Brett Kavanaugh's Nomination to the Supreme Court (White House)

House defeat sends Navy submarine fleet toward budget uncertainty (Washington Examiner)

The new B-21 Raider could hit a big milestone this year (Defense News)

John Bolton says US has a plan for North Korean denuclearization within a year, decries intelligence leaks (Washington Examiner)

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Bill (Fishing World)

Middle School Students Brief Congressman on STEM Technologies to Solve Simulated Navy Challenges (NAVSEA)

House votes champion stable military spending, but gridlock looms (Defense News)

House OKs Resolutions to Condemn Stopgap Funding Measures (Executive Gov)

Wittman Warns Of Trouble With Navy Readiness (WVTF)

Rep. Wittman wins award for office's transparency and accountability (VA Gazette)

Navy, Marine Corps Racing to Increase Amphibious Fleet as Demand Rises (USNI)

Environmentalists claim measure will set back Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts (13News Now)

Rep. Wittman On KC-46: 'Boeing – Get It Done. Just Get It Done.' In The Loop Podcast (Breaking Defense)

I really enjoyed getting out in the community to interact with constituents regarding the issues most important to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me so I can best represent you.

Sincerely,

Rob

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Offices

Hanover Office
6501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Ste. 102
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 730-6595
Fax: (804) 730-6597

View Google Directions

Stafford Office
95 Dunn Drive
Ste. 201
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 659-2734
Fax: (540) 659-2737

View Google Directions

Tappahannock Office
508 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: (804) 443-0668
Fax: (804) 443-0671

View Google Directions

Washington D.C. Office
2055 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4261
Fax: (202) 225-4382

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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Weekly Update: Lowering the Cost of Care

Weekly Update: Lowering the Cost of Care
By Rob Wittman
July 31, 2018

It is clear the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is failing and must be fixed. The ACA promised to lower costs, increase access to care, and expand healthcare choices. It has failed on all three.

Healthcare premiums are on the rise yet again. This is unacceptable. Last week, the House was hard at work passing legislation that will lower healthcare costs – specifically the cost of medication and premiums.

Over-the-counter medications are often the frontline treatment for many common illnesses or for maintenance of chronic disease. The House passed H.R. 6199, which will provide relief from the ACA tax on over-the-counter medications and would modernize health savings accounts (HSAs). This legislation will allow the use of HSA funds for over-the-counter medications in addition to medication prescribed by a doctor. These over-the-counter medications are crucial in preventing both long and short-term health problems before they reach the point of hospitalization, further driving up the patient's healthcare costs. The passage of H.R. 6199 allows us to tear down this barrier, currently included in the ACA, to preventative medicine and build a healthier community.

HSAs give families more control over their healthcare spending by allowing enrollees in certain healthcare plans to save tax-free and use those funds to pay for qualifying medical expenses. For many middle-income families, they make a prescription or treatment that was just out of reach more affordable. The House passed H.R. 6311, which will expand access and use of HSAs and lower premiums on care. Under current ACA law, tax credits are only available to offset the cost of bronze, silver, gold or platinum health plans that are sold on the government-run health insurance exchange; catastrophic plans, which are the lowest cost premium plans available, are not eligible for these tax credits. H.R. 6311 would increase consumer choice by allowing the premium tax credit to be used for qualified plans offered outside the government exchanges and healthcare.gov. This legislation also delays the ACA tax on health insurers for an additional two years, providing relief from the premium increase caused by this tax.

Finally, the House passed H.R. 184, the Protect Medical Innovation Act, which would repeal the medical device tax. The medical device tax was put into place by the ACA and imposed an excise tax (2.3%) on the manufacturer, producer, or importer of certain medical devices. Traditionally, excise taxes are reserved for sales on products such as alcohol and tobacco. The ACA, however, imposed an excise tax on an industry that produces lifesaving and life improving devices. According to the Tax Foundation, the medical device tax lowered industry research spending by $34 million and is responsible for the loss of over 20,000 jobs from 2013-2015. Fortunately, this tax has been delayed by Congress twice, but this legislation gets rid of it for good.

I am fighting for a better healthcare future for all Virginians, where doctors and patients can be in control of their own healthcare decisions and everyday American families have the option to see a doctor of their choice. It is critical that we continue to lower the cost of healthcare and ensure all Virginians can access coverage. The reforms the House passed last week will empower individuals and families to make decisions for themselves based on what best fits their needs, wants, and budget.

Offices

Hanover Office
6501 Mechanicsville Turnpike
Ste. 1o2
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Phone: (804) 730-6595
Fax: (804) 730-6597

View Google Directions

Stafford Office
95 Dunn Drive
Ste. 201
Stafford, VA 22556
Phone: (540) 659-2734
Fax: (540) 659-2737

View Google Directions

Tappahannock Office
508 Church Lane
Tappahannock, VA 22560
Phone: (804) 443-0668
Fax: (804) 443-0671

View Google Directions

Washington D.C. Office
2055 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4261
Fax: (202) 225-4382

View Google Directions

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