On Thursday, April 7, just before a two-week congressional recess, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), joined by his colleagues Sens. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), introduced S. 4042, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, a bipartisan companion to legislation of the same name, H.R. 2654, in the House. The Senate bill was immediately referred to the Finance committee, which has jurisdiction on all matters related to the Medicare program.
Why is it important that this bill has been introduced in both chambers? Basically, a companion bill shows support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and lends an added sense of credibility to the cause. Additionally, a bill now in both chambers opens further opportunities for passage. Learn more from this ACA blog post.
How can you support this legislation? Additional cosponsors are important, for both the Senate and House bills. Cosponsor numbers show support, and strong numbers are undeniable truths when it comes time to move legislation to the floor. Senator Maggie Hassan and Congresswoman Ann McLane Kuster would make especially powerful cosponsors of this legislation because of their positions on key committees. You can help to generate cosponsors by contacting your Senators and Representative through the ACA Legislative Action Center. Make sure your colleagues, patients, family, and friends do the same!