As a proud resident of the City of Harvey, I strive to advocate for my community, especially when it comes to healthcare access and affordability. Which is why I know that our elected leaders in Washington are committed to improving the health and wellness of their constituents, particularly in underserved communities. However, recent proposals being considered by Congress could have devastating impacts on patients’ access to care.

Some in Washington are pushing to reimburse hospital outpatient departments at the same rate as free-standing, physician offices, which would hinder their ability to treat vulnerable and low-income patients.

As it stands, hospitals are already facing rising inflationary costs and workforce shortages as well as threats to valuable programs like 340B, which require pharmaceutical companies to offer discounted medications to hospitals taking care of vulnerable patient populations. This would make it harder for patients have access to life saving drugs and health facilities to improve health outcomes.

We need our leaders in Washington, including Rep. Kelly, to protect healthcare access for underserved patient populations in Illinois by ensuring health care providers stay funded and well resourced.

Anthony McCaskill, Chairman of the South Suburban Region Black Chamber

The South Suburban Region Black Chamber represents black businesses and their owners within Southern Cook, Will, Kankakee, Grundy, and Kendall Counties.