Understanding the Impact of HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on Health Care Policy

Xavier Becerra, HHS Secretary, has been described as the 'invisible secretary' by critics, raising concerns about his influence on President Biden's health policy victories. However, supporters argue that he has been increasingly engaging with the White House and making significant strides in health care policy. As we move into a pivotal year for health care policy, it's worth examining Secretary Becerra's efforts and contributions so far.

The Legacy of Secretary Becerra

A detailed examination of Secretary Becerra's work reveals that he has been actively influencing health care policy behind the scenes. He has been engaging with top White House officials, focusing on reshaping health prices and coverage. Despite not being publicly identified with many of the president's health care accomplishments, he has been diligently working behind the scenes to cement his legacy and gain influence within the administration. One of his main goals is to solidify health care coverage and promote the Affordable Care Act as part of his legacy.

Efforts to Promote Competition in Health Care

Secretary Becerra recently appointed Stacy Sanders as the Chief Competition Officer, a role created as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to lower health care and prescription drugs costs by promoting competition. In this role, Ms. Sanders will coordinate, identify, and elevate opportunities across the Department to promote competition in health care markets. Furthermore, she will be working closely with the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to address concentration in health care markets. This strategic appointment marks an important step towards achieving the administration's goal of affordable health care.

Addressing Low Vaccination Rates in Long-Term Care Facilities

Secretary Becerra has also been focusing on addressing low COVID-19 vaccination rates among long-term care facility residents. In a recent meeting with facility leaders, Becerra emphasized the importance of offering vaccinations and educating older Americans on vaccine protections. Despite the low vaccination rate of 33% among long-term care residents, the Biden-Harris Administration has made significant progress in managing COVID-19 and ensuring vaccines are available to protect older adults against winter respiratory illnesses.

Protecting Conscience Rights

The HHS Office for Civil Rights recently announced a Final Rule, entitled 'Safeguarding the Rights of Conscience as Protected by Federal Statutes,' to strengthen the process for enforcing federal conscience laws. This rule provides additional protections against conscience and religious discrimination and encourages covered entities to voluntarily post a notice of rights. This initiative not only demonstrates Secretary Becerra's commitment to protecting individual rights but also his dedication to maintaining transparency and compliance.

Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare

Secretary Becerra recently unveiled a new initiative aimed at expanding access to affordable healthcare for low-income families. He underscored the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and outlined plans for increasing outreach and enrollment in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. Moreover, Becerra highlighted the administration's efforts to tackle the opioid crisis and enhance mental health services, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to improving public health.

In conclusion, while Secretary Becerra's efforts may not always be in the spotlight, his strategic appointments, initiatives, and policies are shaping the future of health care in the United States. As we dive deeper into this pivotal year for health care policy, Becerra's influence and commitment to health care reform will likely become more apparent.