Health Care
Summary of Position
In the wealthiest country in the world, no American should go without access to quality, affordable health insurance and health care. This is especially true during the coronavirus pandemic, which has further revealed a broken system that leaves almost 30 million Americans uninsured. To address the inadequacy of our health care system, Congressman DeSaulnier has been an ardent supporter of protecting, strengthening, and expanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition to fighting for a more equitable health care system that prioritizes people over profits, Congressman DeSaulnier strongly supports investing in research and innovation in new treatments and cures, addressing prescription drug affordability and health disparities, and improving the availability of and access to mental health care for all Americans.
By the Numbers
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As of October 2020, the United States accounted for just 4% of the world’s population, but 21% of coronavirus cases and 20% of coronavirus deaths.
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There have been at least 70 Republican-led efforts to repeal or limit the ACA, which would cost 23 million Americans their health insurance.
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In 2019, 3 in 10 uninsured adults went without needed medical care due to cost.
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50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14.
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38.9% of high school students have used an e-cigarette in the last 30 days.
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15.5 million Americans are living with cancer today.
Things to Know
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Survivor of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
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Founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Cancer Survivors Caucus
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Strong supporter of efforts to curb the youth tobacco epidemic
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Member of the Mental Health Caucus
Working for You
Congressional Cancer Survivors Caucus
As a survivor of the most common leukemia in the world, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Congressman DeSaulnier founded the Congressional Cancer Survivors Caucus and runs it with his colleague Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA). The Caucus is an open forum that has hosted leaders in the cancer field such as the President of the Biden Cancer Initiative and former Executive Director of the President’s Cancer Moonshot, Greg Simon, and the Director of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Ned Sharpless.
Combatting the Vaping Epidemic
Improving Access to Mental Health Care for Children and Families
Increase Access to Cancer Treatment Planning and Patient Navigators
Cancer treatment plans, which outline the steps that a patient will go through in treating their illness, improve outcomes and allow patients to actively participate in their own care. Congressman DeSaulnier introduced the Cancer Care Planning and Communications Act (H.R. 5160) to encourage more doctors to use these treatment plans.
For a downloadable copy of Mark's health care work, click the image below: