Ensuring All Americans Have Access to Quality Healthcare

Quality-adjusted life years, or QALYs, is a metric used in determining whether a medical treatment is cost-effective enough to be covered by the federal government that devalues treatments for seniors, disabled Americans, and those with chronic illnesses.

Over 70 disability and patient organizations agree that QALYs discriminate against individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, or down syndrome, deeming their lives less worthy of saving and denying them crucial care. 

Rationing healthcare through the use of QALYs hurts America’s most vulnerable, taking away their hope, undervaluing their lives, denying them dignity, and giving the government the power to determine whether they live or die.

It is vital that we stop these harmful practices, expand access to lifesaving medical care, and prevent discrimination against seniors, disabled Americans, and Americans with chronic illnesses.
 

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ legislation, H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act of 2023, bans federal healthcare programs from using prices based on quality adjusted life years (QALYs) to determine coverage for care, protecting Americans with disabilities and chronic health conditions from life-threatening discrimination. 

Every American deserves to receive quality care. House Republicans are fighting to ensure they get it.