Take Action: Cutting Prevention Fund Would Cost Country Lives and Money
The House of Representatives Rules Committee is poised to vote this week on H.R. 1190, which seeks to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) created by the Affordable Care Act. Representative Joseph Pitts (R-PA) proposes to offset the costs of H.R. 1190 by slashing investment in the landmark Prevention and Public Health Fund by $8.85 billion.
ACT TODAY: Contact Members of the House to express your opposition to using the Prevention and Public Health Fund as an offset.
When the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, it provided an ongoing source of funds dedicated to preventing illness and injury before they occur. Since that time, the Prevention and Public Health Fund has provided nearly $5.25 billion in funds to reduce chronic disease, immunize children, and help communities across the country develop plans to improve the health and equity of residents.
We know from experience that investments in lead reduction, vaccination, and car seats show solid return on investment. A study by the Urban Institute found that in just 10 years, the Prevention Fund could show a yearly savings of $70 billion. Every dollar invested in prevention saves more than $5.00 in reduced healthcare costs.
Preventing chronic disease and injuries is much more cost effective than treating them. No one loses when prevention succeeds. Decimating the Prevention Fund to pay for other priorities is a shortsighted move that would cost our country lives and money.
ACT TODAY: Contact Members of the House to express your opposition to using the Prevention and Public Health Fund as an offset.
This latest maneuver to gut the Prevention Fund is just one of many such attempts by Congress over the past five years. We simply can’t afford to go backwards. We must continue to speak out against these senseless and costly attacks and speak up for the critical role prevention plays in improving our health and economy.
Thank you for your ongoing engagement and leadership to protect prevention.
