[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H3911-H3912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FIGHTING FOR ACCESS TO HIGH-QUALITY HEALTHCARE FOR ALL AMERICANS

  (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, Democrats continue to fight for 
access to healthcare in our work to deliver progress for the people 
because it is essential to daily life. You cannot work, you cannot care 
for your children, you cannot do anything without your health.

[[Page H3912]]

  I was recently blessed to come through a health challenge myself, and 
I believe more strongly than ever that, whether it is cancer therapy or 
prescription medication, access to the best treatment cannot be 
reserved for only the wealthy.
  Last week, I secured funding in the Appropriations Committee to study 
the impact of prior authorization policies on patient health. People 
are dying because insurance companies want to see lower cost 
treatments, see them fail before they will cover more expensive ones, 
even if your healthcare provider specifically recommends it.
  Whether you have cancer like I did or you are dealing with a chronic 
illness, you shouldn't have to endure extra pain or wonder if you can 
survive long enough to get to the treatment that will work for you.
  I will continue to fight for access to high-quality healthcare for 
all Americans.

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