Tag: Health Care

Daines Calls on Biden Admin to Protect Montana Veterans’ Access to Air Ambulance Services

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today called on the Biden administration to reevaluate a recent rule that could jeopardize rural Montana veterans’ access to air ambulances. “With the number of instances of emergency care being provided by the VA exponentially increasing, it is critical the VA explores sustainable options for the future and ensures veterans living in rural areas have access to care. Unfortunately, I am concerned that the VA has not done due diligence in developing this rule, nor does it recognize the significant impact it will have on a full spectrum of emergency services, ultimately leading to air ambulances

Daines Statement on VA Health Care Announcement to Better Serve Montana Veterans

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that they would delay further implementation of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record system to address recurring problems with the rollout. This announcement follows Daines’ push to ensure the VA is providing Montana veterans with the quality care they deserve. “I’m pleased to see the VA take steps to ensure Montana veterans are receiving the quality service they deserve by reassessing the VA Electronic Health Care Management System (EHRM),” Daines said. “It is unacceptable that until now Biden’s VA has failed to seriously address critical issues

Daines Demands Biden Admin’s Illegal VA Abortion Rule Be Reversed

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today is demanding the Biden administration reverse a recent rule purporting to allow VA clinics to provide abortions after the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) determined such an action would be illegal. “I insist that you immediately rescind the illegal IFR and revert the VA’s policies to the long-standing prior regulation excluding abortion from the VA’s medical benefits package as well as the CHAMPVA program, in conformity with the law and Congressional intent,” Daines wrote. Daines also issued the following statement. “Instead of focusing on improving care for our nation’s veterans, the Biden administration wants

Daines Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation To Support Childhood Cancer Research

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines cosponsored bipartisan legislation to help fund childhood cancer research and assist patients and families battling cancer. “No child should have to grow up battling cancer. I am glad to join my colleagues in fighting for a cancer free future for Montana’s children,” Daines said. Read the full text of the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research (STAR) Reauthorization Act HERE.    Contact: Rachel Dumke,  Blake Kernen

DAINES INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN PACKAGE TO EXPAND MONTANA’S MENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE, CARE FOR MONTANANS

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), co-chairs of the Senate Finance Committee’s Workforce Working Group, today introduced a slate of bipartisan bills that will support Montana’s mental health workforce and boost substance use disorder services, ensuring that Montanans across the state have access to care. “Access to mental health services is critical for our rural communities and veterans—especially in states like Montana where suicide is sadly taking too many lives. We must ensure our health care workforce have the tools and resources they need to serve Montanans across our state. I’m glad to work on these bipartisan bills to empower and

Daines Statement on Expansion of Substance Use Disorder Treatment for Montanans

U.S. SENATE – Today, Senator Daines released the following statement after Governor Gianforte and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced federal approval to increase substance use disorder treatment for Montanans.  “Expanding access to substance use treatment in Montana is critical to help the state address public health issues, including methamphetamine use and opioid abuse —and today’s news is a good step in that direction. I thank Governor Gianforte for his hard work in making this possible, and I remain committed to continuing my work in the Senate to ensure Montanans have access to the treatment they need,” Daines said.      Contact: Rachel

Daines, Markey Bipartisan Senate Resolution Marking May as “Brain Tumor Awareness Month” Passes U.S. Senate

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Ed Markey’s bipartisan Senate resolution designating May 2022 as “Brain Tumor Awareness Month” passed the United States Senate. “Too many Montanans struggle with the terrible health implications of brain tumors, and I know firsthand the impact it has on the patient’s family. I’m pleased to designate May as ‘Brain Tumor Awareness Month’ for the fifth year in a row to help raise public awareness of brain tumors, including the opportunities for advances in brain tumor research and treatment,” Daines said.  “The lives of too many American families have been changed forever because of a loved

Daines, Cotton Urge Biden to Withdraw from World Health Organization

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Tom Cotton sent a letter to President Biden expressing concerns with the administration’s recent actions regarding the future of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Senators urge President Biden to not only rescind the proposed January 18, 2022, amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR), but also to withdraw the United States from this corrupt and inept international organization.  “Your administration has decided to support at least two measures intended to increase the power of the WHO at the expense of sovereign nations like our own. First, you proposed IHR amendments that would,

Daines Introduces Bill to Increase the Baby Formula Supply for Montana Families

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a bill to combat domestic baby formula shortages and bolster the supply chain to help Montana families feed their babies. “Over 40% of Montana’s baby formula supply is out of stock, and Montana moms and dads are struggling to feed their babies because of it. This is a crisis for families in Montana, and we must prioritize the needs of these parents and children,” Daines said. “It is critical that we combat this formula shortage and bolster the supply chain in order to get formula back on the shelves immediately.” For a one-pager on the

Daines: Reports of Biden Admin Quietly Shuttering Montana Veteran Health Care Facilities is Unacceptable

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today slammed reports that the Biden administration is quietly closing veteran health care clinics across Montana. Daines spoke directly with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough to share his concerns about the potential closures and the impacts to Montana veterans. Last month Daines also requested answers and transparency from the VA on the potential closures. “Reports that the VA under Biden plans to silently shutter health care clinics across Montana is absolutely unacceptable. Countless Montana veterans rely on VA health care facilities for critical care and we must do everything we can to ensure these important services remain available to the men and