Lubbock Times

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington has appointed Representative Blake Moore to chair the Committee's Health Care Task Force. The Task Force aims to build on previous work by exploring opportunities to modernize and personalize the health care system. Their focus will be on supporting policies that fuel innovation and enhance patient access to quality and affordable care. A primary concern for the Task Force will be examining the budgetary effects of chronic disease and opportunities to make substantial improvements to America's healthcare system.

In a statement, Chairman Arrington emphasized the necessity of controlling health care spending, noting its significant portion of federal spending. "Physical health is fiscal health. Health care makes up over 30 percent of our federal spending and is projected to account for more than 40 percent of new spending over the next decade. Meanwhile, America’s fiscal health is rapidly deteriorating as the national debt climbs past $36 trillion. If we want to correct course and bend the debt curve, we must act now to get Washington’s health care spending under control," he said. Arrington also expressed his appreciation for Congressman Moore's leadership in the Task Force, describing it as a "policy incubator" for improving health outcomes while managing federal spending.

Chairman Moore cited the importance of addressing health care spending, stating, "If we are to get our fiscal house in order, we have to tackle health care spending, which has ballooned to nearly 30% of our over $6 trillion budget. I look forward to leading the Budget Committee Health Care Task Force with Chairman Arrington to find ways we can improve health care outcomes while reducing costs for both the patient and the taxpayer."

The members of the Health Care Task Force include Representatives Mike Carey, Buddy Carter, Glenn Grothman, Erin Houchin, Jay Obernolte, Chip Roy, and Lloyd Smucker. Chairman Jodey Arrington serves as an ex-officio member. The Task Force will function as a policy incubator, holding discussions with the Congressional Budget Office and other stakeholders to improve health outcomes while curbing federal spending.

Previously, during the 118th Congress, Dr. Michael Burgess led the Task Force, focusing on emerging health care issues such as cell and gene therapies, Medicare and Medicaid innovations, and modeling of health care policies impacting American biomedical innovation.