Bill believes that America’s healthcare system needs to be continually improved, but should not be taken over by the federal government.  Johnson is fighting hard to push back against the radical left’s agenda of “Medicare-for-all,” which would force 150 million Americans off their employer-sponsored healthcare plans, increase wait times, and decrease the quality of care. Additionally, the price tag for these radical proposals is so enormous, that taxes would have to be raised on all Americans to pay for it.

Johnson believes in policies that improve access, affordability, and choice in healthcare, like: giving Americans the freedom to decide what health insurance works for them, rather than having it dictated by the federal government; expanding incentives for Americans to contribute their pre-tax dollars into health savings accounts (HSAs) that can be used to lower the cost of routine care; and, enacting medical liability reform to eliminate frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care.  Johnson continues to support protections for people with pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26.

Fighting Opioid and Prescription Drug Abuse

As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Bill has worked extensively to combat the drug epidemic, and has been a proponent of getting federal funds out to states and local communities to address this challenge head-on.  Bill constantly hears from community leaders and constituents throughout Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, that this isn’t just an “opioid epidemic”…there is also a resurgence in meth and cocaine, fentanyl, and other dangerous drugs.  I was proud to have supported legislation that President Trump has signed into law that makes it clear to states and localities that the money they are receiving for the opioid response, can be used to help treat people struggling with addiction to these other substances as well.

Expanding Access to Care

As a co-chair of the House Telehealth Caucus, Johnson is leading efforts to expand access to healthcare through the use of telemedicine – technology that has the potential to drive down costs and improve the quality of care for patients in rural areas like Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, and throughout the country.

Numerous studies on telehealth – the use of telecommunications technologies to furnish health care services remotely and in real-time – have shown benefits for quality of care, access to care, and reduced spending.  Telehealth increases access to care in areas with workforce shortages and for individuals who live far away from healthcare facilities, have limited mobility or transportation, or have other barriers to accessing care. However, current statutory restrictions – such as geographic and originating site requirements that only permit beneficiaries to receive telehealth services if they are in certain rural areas and at certain clinical sites – create barriers to coverage that limit the use of telehealth in Medicare.

This is why Johnson introduced the CONNECT for Health Act, that would reform these outdated policies and bring our health care system into the 21st century.

Drug Prices

The rising costs of healthcare, including prescription drugs, are a burden on families, small businesses, and the federal budget. The Trump Administration has made these rising costs a focus, and Bill has worked with the Administration to implement policies that will generate real savings without compromising the market-based structure that has fostered innovation and new cures, without compromising quality in programs like Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage.

Bill believes that market-based solutions and increased competition are positive drivers of lower costs.  Introduction of lower-cost generic drugs to compete with brand name medications consistently results in lower prices, and that impact increases as more competition enters the market.