Bowling Green Today

On February 7, 2024, Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, delivered a passionate speech in support of H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care For All Patients Act. This bill, led by Energy Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers, aims to permanently ban the use of quality adjusted life years or similar measures under any federal health care program.

Guthrie began his remarks by expressing his strong support for the bill, stating, "I rise in strong support of HR 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act." He emphasized the importance of this legislation in ensuring equal access to treatment for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or chronic conditions.

The congressman raised concerns about the use of quality adjusted life years as a measure of determining the value of a person's life. He questioned whether it is appropriate for "an academic or Washington bureaucrat" to decide that some people are more valuable than others. Guthrie firmly stated, "Should vulnerable populations like those with disabilities not deserve the same access to treatment as others?"

He emphasized the need for individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions to have the freedom to choose their own treatments without the interference of "a Washington bureaucrat or an academic with no clinical experience making the decision for them." Guthrie argued that these individuals deserve the chance to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.

In his speech, Guthrie also expressed his appreciation for Chairwoman Rodgers for bringing this bill forward and sharing her personal story. He mentioned a young man named Cole, who represents a group of people that should not be discriminated against. Guthrie stated, "A wonderful young man and he represents a great group of people that don't deserve to be discriminated against."

In conclusion, Congressman Guthrie urged his colleagues to support H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care For All Patients Act, stating, "I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to do so." He emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access to healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities or chronic conditions.

This speech by Congressman Guthrie highlights the need to eliminate discriminatory measures such as quality adjusted life years in federal health care programs. The Protecting Health Care For All Patients Act aims to address this issue and ensure that vulnerable populations have equal access to treatment options.