Dear Friend,  

Welcome back to my health care newsletter. You can sign up for my weekly updates and other issue-specific newsletters here. Please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!   

Bolstering Seniors’ Health Care

Throughout the past few months, we’ve seen firsthand the power of vaccines to save lives and restore hope, particularly for our older population. I introduced the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act, along with several of my colleagues, to ensure vaccinations for our seniors don’t stop at the end of the pandemic. This bill would provide all CDC-recommended vaccines to our nation’s seniors on Medicare at no additional cost.

I also recently introduced the SENIOR CARE Act, to allow seniors with severe disabilities to keep working without losing their Medicaid benefits. Older Americans have given so much to this nation, and as ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I’m striving to make sure their health care reflects our gratitude.

Expanding Telehealth

In my last health care newsletter, I discussed my Telehealth Modernization Act, which would expand telehealth access in rural America. Since then, I have built on that effort by cosponsoring the CONNECT for Health Act, which enhances telehealth coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.

The pandemic has shown us just how important telehealth can be in protecting vulnerable Americans—particularly our seniors—while continuing to provide the care they need. I’m working to ensure that care continues for years to come.

Combatting the Opioid Epidemic

During the height of the pandemic, suspected drug overdoses increased by 50% in South Carolina. It’s clear we must take action to solve this heartbreaking crisis, which starts with combatting the opioid epidemic.

Last month, I introduced the Non-Opioid Directive Act, to empower patients to choose non-opioid alternative treatments. Not only would the bill help combat the growing threat of the opioid epidemic, but it would also strengthen the relationship between doctors and patients—it’s a win-win for everyone.

Advocating for Alzheimer’s Patients

Just last Thursday, I held a hearing in the Senate Aging Committee on how we can join the fight against Alzheimer’s. Throughout the hearing, experts and caretakers—including South Carolina’s Peg Lahmeyer, executive director of The Ark of S.C.—spoke about Alzheimer’s risks, new medical developments, and how to support those living with the disease.

I’m so proud of how South Carolina is recovering from the pandemic and getting folks back to work. Know that my team and I will continue our work to protect and improve your health care—even after COVID-19 is far behind us. For more information or to contact us, please visit my website. We look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,