Health Care

Congresswoman Jenkins meeting with Doctors and Staff at Atchison Hospital

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over health care reform, I will work to ensure that nothing stands between you and your doctor and that folks in rural and urban communities have affordable access to quality care. Now, with the Presidency, Senate, and House in the hands of responsible conservatives, our goal of replacing Obamacare with a common-sense, affordable alternative is actually within reach. We will use our principles outlined in the Better Way Agenda to guide the policy discussions toward more affordable coverage for more Americans at a time when the former president’s only legacy item is failing fast.

In 2017 there will be less participation in the system by private insurers and that means even less competition for the benefit of customers. I am confident that the Republican platform, A Better Way, can fix our health care problems by weeding out waste, fraud, and abuse to bring down costs while still offering affordable health care. A Better Way begins a plan to decrease red tape, increase competition and choice for customers, hold providers accountable for poor outcomes and reward them for positive, patient-centered outcomes. It is my priority to ensure your health care remains in your hands, not the government’s.

A top priority of mine while in Congress has been to provide funding to help those Americans suffering from mental illnesses. In order to get our neighbors, friends, and family members the help they need, we must train first responders, veterans’ advocates, teachers, and faith-based groups to be able to spot and de-escalate situations before they become violent. I also believe that we must reject the stigma associated with mental illness so that we can come together to find a better way to help our fellow Americans. After many years, my bill, H.R. 1877, the Mental Health First Aid Act, was finally passed in the House of Representatives in July 2016. This bill provides $15 million in funding for grants to various groups to train people to spot someone suffering from a mental illness and get him or her the help they need.