Rep. O’Halleran Votes to Reduce Health Care Costs, Protect Americans With Pre-Existing Conditions

WASHINGTON, May 17 -- Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:

Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) voted to pass the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act, a legislative package that addresses rising prescription drug and health care costs and protects Arizonans with pre-existing conditions.

"Health care costs are rising year after year, and it is the hardworking American people who are paying the price. Today we took action to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, restrict junk insurance plans that harm Arizonans with pre-existing conditions, and invest in programs that ensure consumers have access to affordable health coverage," O'Halleran said. "Our health care system is broken, and we need to find real solutions. I am committed to working with my colleagues to address the flaws of this system and ensure Arizonans can receive the quality, affordable care they deserve, regardless of their zip code."

The legislation includes provisions that allow generic drugs to come to market sooner by closing loopholes that allow drug companies to delay generic drug entry, prohibiting pay-for-delay agreements, and ending the practice of exclusivity periods to block generic drug manufacturing. The bill also ends the expansion of short-term, limited duration health plans that harm Americans with pre-existing conditions.