Burgess outlines House health reform bill, other legislative priorities

Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) today told hospital and health system leaders that the American Health Care Act would give states the flexibility to tailor their medical programs to their most vulnerable residents. As the bill moves to the Senate, Burgess, who is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce health subcommittee, said he welcomed ideas and input from the other side of the Capitol. He said Congress needs to replace the Affordable Care Act because the law “is having real trouble. It is affecting people adversely with the rising costs of premiums.” While Congress is focused on repealing and replacing the ACA, Burgess said other health care issues that merit attention this year include a five-year reauthorization of the Food and Drug Administration user fee agreements for prescription drugs and medical devices, an extension of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and possible action on legislation that would assign Department of Defense trauma surgeons to civilian trauma centers and support additional training for military surgeons.