Health Care
"Quality, affordable and accessible health care for every single American should be a right, not a privilege. That's why I have fought my entire career for fundamental health care reform to help ensure Americans have the peace of mind knowing that they are never just an accident away from financial ruin. And it's why I'm working hand-in-hand with President Obama to deliver that change for my constituents in Connecticut and people all over the country.
"Throughout my career, I've tirelessly advocated for better health care for the citizens of Connecticut, from authoring a law to protect the health and well-being of newborn babies to passing the landmark Mental Health Parity legislation and leading the battle against Autism. Health care shouldn't be reserved for a privileged few, and throughout my own health care experiences this year, I'm more convinced than ever that we need to fundamentally alter the way we organize, pay for and deliver health care in this country."
Connecticut families need more affordable health care options. 9% of Connecticut residents have no health insurance (310,000 people). Three working-age Connecticut residents die each week, and between 2000 and 2006 more than a thousand Connecticut residents died, due to a lack of health insurance. Chris understands that improving access to and the affordability of health insurance is vital for Connecticut’s residents and their future.
Leading The Fight For Affordable Health Care For All Americans. Chris led the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to pass out of Committee the Affordable Health Choices Act, to reduce health costs, protect individuals' choice in doctors and plans, and assure that quality and affordable health care is available for all Americans. Connecticut Citizens Action Group praised his work, saying "The bill that Senator Dodd has spearheaded will make sure that Americans can keep their own insurance if they want or choose a new alternative to the private insurance industry. ... The legislation will also make good, affordable health care available to middle-class families in Connecticut and includes strict rules to stop insurance company abuses. The bill is a good prescription for health care reform."
Standing Up For Child Care. Chris fought for and passed landmark child care legislation, the first of its kind since World War II. Chris authored the Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which was signed into law in 1990 and has since provided billions of dollars in federal aid to improve the quality of child care and help families cope with its high cost. Chris' measure was the first federal child care program enacted since the World War II era. In the years since his bill passed, Chris has led the fight to increase how much the Federal government spends to help families cope with the high cost of child care, in many instances facing stiff opposition from the GOP.
Protecting The Health Of Newborn Babies. Chris authored the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, signed into law in 2008, which authorizes funding for grants to help states expand and improve their newborn screening programs, educate parents and health care providers about newborn screening, and improve follow-up care for infants with an illness detected through newborn screening.
Ensuring Mental Health Parity. Chris was instrumental in moving the Mental Health Parity Act of 2007 through the Senate to its passage. Chris cosponsored the legislation, which expanded on the 1996 mental health parity legislation by including deductibles, co-payments, out-of-pocket expenses, coinsurance, covered hospital days, and covered out-patient visits.
Fighting Against Pediatric HIV/AIDS Around The Globe. Chris authored the Global Pediatric HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Act, signed into law in 2008, that set targets for the screening of pregnant women and the treatment received by children in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The law requires integration of prevention, care and treatment with prevention of mother-to-child transmission services in order to improve outcomes for HIV-affected women and families and improve follow-up and continuity of care.
Making Sure Medical Devices Are Safe For Children. Chris authored the Pediatric Medical Device Safety and Improvement Act, signed into law in 2007, to improve incentives for the development of medical devices that are safe and effective for children and infants. The bill streamlines the approval process for cutting-edge technology, improves the FDA's ability to track the availability and the effectiveness of pediatric devices, and authorizes grant money for matchmaking between inventors, manufacturers and the federal government to aid in the development of new devices.
Leading The Battle Against Autism. Chris worked to pass the "Combating Autism Act," legislation that funds screening, intervention and education efforts related to autism, and expands federal autism research programs. Chris successfully worked to double the funding for the Combating Autism Act for the 2009 fiscal year.
Protecting Children's Pharmaceutical Health. Chris authored and helped pass the Better Pharmaceuticals for Children Act that encourages the drug industry to conduct studies to ensure that their products are safe and effective for children.