Manatee Review

In a session at the POLITICO Health Care Summit, Congressman Vern Buchanan discussed the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda. Buchanan, who is Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, emphasized the plan's aim to deliver improved services while reducing inefficiencies.

During his conversation with Rachael Bade, POLITICO’s Senior Washington Correspondent, Buchanan highlighted the critical need to tackle ongoing health issues in America. He explained his perspective, stating, "I’ve been focused for the last couple of years on MAHA, before it became MAHA…it’s new leadership, and people are looking at things differently. I’m clearly looking at things differently because we can’t continue down that road."

Addressing the current health care expenditure, Buchanan noted, "We’re spending $4.4 trillion on health care right now, and Medicare just alone, I think it’s $1 or $2 trillion, and it’s getting worse. We’re spending more money, and the results from what we’re spending are getting less." He mentioned his focus on not supporting Medicaid cuts: "I’m not for cuts to Medicaid."

Buchanan also responded to concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid raised by Democrats: "We’ve heard Democrats suggest that Republicans are going to cut [Medicaid] in reconciliation. I know Republicans have said they are not going to do this...I’m going to do everything to make sure it doesn’t go down that road."

In Congress, Buchanan has been a strong proponent of the MAHA agenda and addressing chronic diseases. The House recently passed Buchanan's Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 919) with unanimous bipartisan support.

The main issues discussed at the summit reflect Buchanan's ongoing commitment to improving healthcare through prevention and efficiency.