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Spotlight on Health Care In November 2009, the House passed historic health care reform legislation. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Welch incorporated several Vermont ideas into the legislation. Welch also successfully worked to require the federal government to negotiate prescription drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, allow young people through the age of 26 to remain on their parents’ health plans, and repeal the health insurance industry’s exemption from anti-trust regulations.

"Like most Vermonters, I believe affordable access to quality health care is a fundamental right of all Americans. My work on this critical issue – in Vermont and now in Congress – has long been guided by three principles: everybody must be covered, everybody must contribute based upon his or her ability to pay, and coverage need not be related to employment. I will continue to push for comprehensive reform of our heath care system to achieve quality, affordable care for all Vermonters and all Americans. And I will continue to bring Vermont’s values and successes in improving health care to the national stage."

Rep. Welch's Recent Work on Health Care

Vermont Veterans Outreach Program Wins Funding

May 13, 2013

A Vermont National Guard outreach effort will receive $1.8 million this year for the pioneering program that informs veterans and their families about benefits they have earned, Vermont’s congressional delegation announced today.

The award is Vermont’s share of $20 million for eight states that have adopted the Vermont outreach program model and a new effort to expand the program to National Guard and Reserve units nation... Read More

Bennington Banner: 'Obama "relaxed" about budget talks'

March 15, 2013

The president was "relaxed and comfortable" Thursday during a meeting aimed at reassuring nervous House Democrats that entitlement programs won't be slashed just to get Republicans to negotiate a federal budget, according to Vermont Rep. Peter Welch.

President Barack Obama's meeting Thursday with House Democrats followed a similar visit Wednesday with Republican House members as well as meetings with the Democratic and GOP ca... Read More

With House set to again debate Ryan Medicare plan, Welch introduces bill to save Medicare $156 billion

March 13, 2013

With Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) doubling down on his failed Medicare proposal from the last Congress, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today introduced legislation that will save $156 billion in the Medicare program without cutting benefits to seniors.

Welch's Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate prescription drug prices on behalf of Medicare Part D beneficiari... Read More

Brattleboro Reformer: 'Welch calls GOP budget proposal a "wasted opportunity" '

March 13, 2013

For U.S. Rep. Peter Welch, House Republicans' latest federal budget plan invoked a cinematic theme -- "Groundhog Day."

Citing the popular movie in which a bombastic weatherman must relive the same day over and over, the Democrat contends he's seen this same budget document again and again.

And Vermont's sole congressman was sharply critical of a plan that calls for cuts in domestic program... Read More

The Hill: 'Medicare would negotiate drug prices under Dem bill'

March 12, 2013

A new bill from Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) would require federal officials to negotiate drug prices in Medicare, a move that could spell big savings for the federal budget.

Welch estimated Tuesday that his Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act would save up to $156 billion over ten years. He cited the Department of Veterans Affairs, which already bargains for lower prices for commonly prescribed drugs.

Read More

• March 12, 2013 — Welch statement on Ryan ‘Groundhog Day’ budget

• March 1, 2013 — Rutland Herald: 'Delegation reacts to violence bill’s passage'

• February 23, 2013 — Bennington Banner: 'Welch: Congress can negotiate lower prescription drug prices for seniors'

• February 22, 2013 — As sequester looms, Welch pushes bill to save nearly $160 billion and strengthen Medicare

• January 18, 2013 — Welch statement on OneCare Vermont ACO announcement

• January 10, 2013 — Brattleboro Reformer: 'BMH receives about $2M for Medicare reimbursement'

• January 8, 2013 — Welch Urges Reforming Medicare to Reward Value, not Volume; Will Push Expansion of Accountable Care Organizations

• January 8, 2013 — vt.Buzz: 'Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., offers his 2013 initiatives'

• December 6, 2012 — Addison Independent: 'Rep. Welch talks Medicare benefits in Burlington'

• December 3, 2012 — VPR: 'As Deadline Approaches, Welch Urges Seniors To Enroll For Medicare'

• December 3, 2012 — Photo Album: 'Rep. Welch Encourages Seniors To Take Advantage Of Medicare Open Enrollment'

• October 25, 2012 — Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: 'People with Medicare Save $4.8 Billion on Prescription Drugs Because of the Health Care Law

• July 31, 2012 — Vermont Tops Nation in Health Insurance Rebates

• July 25, 2012 — Vermonters enrolled in Medicare save $1.5 million on prescription drugs in first six months of 2012

• June 28, 2012 — Welch statement on Supreme Court decision on Affordable Care Act

• June 28, 2012 — VPR: 'Vt. Delegation Is Relieved By Supreme Court Decision'

• June 28, 2012 — Burlington Free Press: 'Health care ruling a win for Vermont, delegation says'

• June 22, 2012 — Nearly 5,000 Vermonters to benefit from $2.3 million in insurance rebates

• May 26, 2012 — Leahy and Welch seek to renew law for protection for women

• May 1, 2012 — Vermont Community Health Centers Awarded $2.2 Million

• March 23, 2012 — Marking two-year anniversary of health care reform, Leahy and Welch tout benefits to Vermonters

• February 18, 2012 — Photo Album: 'Rep. Welch visits Northwestern Medical Center'

• February 10, 2012 — Leahy, Sanders, Welch: Vermont Veterans Home Makes Short List For Likely VA Funding For E-Medical Records

• February 2, 2012 — Leahy, Sanders, Welch: In Another Milestone For Health Care Reform, In 2011, Vermonters With Medicare Saved More Than $4.8 M. On Their Prescription Drugs

• December 14, 2011 — Valley News: 'Welch Backs DHMC on Medicaid'

• November 29, 2011 — Vermont Awarded $18 Million for Health Care

• October 19, 2011 — Social Security Administration: 'Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2012'

• October 18, 2011 — vtdigger: 'On video: Welch tries to find consensus as partisans continue to wage bitter fights in Congress'

• October 7, 2011 — Green Mountain Daily: 'Welch to Super Committee: Save $156 billion by ending corporate giveway in Medicare Part D'

• October 6, 2011 — Welch and 77 colleagues push Super Committee to adopt Welch-authored legislation to save $156 billion in Medicare spending

• September 27, 2011 — Vermont Wins Grant for Healthier Communities

• September 19, 2011 — VPR: 'Delegation Praises Obama Plan, Doubts Its Passage'

• September 8, 2011 — Health and Human Services News: 'New data: Affordable Care Act delivers lower costs to more seniors with Medicare'

• August 4, 2011 — Health and Human Services News: 'Medicare presciprtion drug premiums will not increase, more seniors receiving free preventive care, discounts in the donut hole'

• August 1, 2011 — Health and Human Services News: 'Affordable Care Act Ensures Women Receive Preventive Services at No Additional Cost'

• June 22, 2011 — The Hill: 'House Republican signs on to Democrats' Medicare drug savings proposal'

• June 21, 2011 — Bennington Banner: 'Welch: Medicare bill would save billions per year'

• June 21, 2011 — VPR: 'Welch Launches Bi-partisan Plan To Reduce Medicare Costs'

• June 21, 2011 — Times Argus: 'Welch wants bulk discount for drugs'

• June 20, 2011 — CMS Campaign to Educate Seniors about New Free Preventive Care Provided by Affordable Care Act

• June 20, 2011 — At Barre senior center Welch announces bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug prices and cut the deficit

• June 20, 2011 — Photo Album: 'Rep. Welch announces bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug prices and cut the deficit'

• June 1, 2011 — HHS to Reduce Premiums, Make it Easier for Americans with Pre-Existing Conditions to Get Health Insurance

• May 16, 2011 — VPR News: "Welch Forms 'Affordable Medicines Caucus'"

• May 12, 2011 — Welch launches bipartisan organization to make drugs more affordable and lower health care spending

• May 11, 2011 — The Burlington Free Press: 'Rep. Welch promotes health care provision'

• May 10, 2011 — At UVM, Welch highlights new health care coverage for graduating college seniors

• May 8, 2011 — New health care coverage for graduating college seniors

• March 23, 2011 — Delegation applauds nearly $1.8 million to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to Vermont school children

• March 1, 2011 — Burlington Free Press: 'Obama supports speeding up health-care reform in Vermont'

• March 1, 2011 — New York Times: 'Obama Backs Easing State Health Law Mandates'

• February 28, 2011 — Vermont Delegation and Gov. Shumlin hail Obama endorsement Of state health reform waiver legislation

• February 28, 2011 — VPR News: 'Shumlin's Single Payer Health Proposal Gets Boost From Obama'

• February 11, 2011 — Uninsured Americans with Pre-existing Conditions Continue to Gain Coverage through Affordable Care Act

• January 25, 2011 — Vermont Delegation Files Health Care Legislation

• January 19, 2011 — Welch votes against repealing health care law

• January 19, 2011 — Video: 'On the House floor, Welch cites Vermonter benefiting from health care reform'

• January 19, 2011 — Video: 'On Fox News, Welch urges preservation of key health care benefits '

• January 19, 2011 — Video: "Rep. Welch announces legislation to move forward on health care"

• January 18, 2011 — Vermont Leaders Move Forward on Health Care

• January 18, 2011 — Photo Album: 'Rep. Welch holds press conference on health care reform'

• January 7, 2011 — Citing impact on middle class Vermonters, Welch votes against health care repeal rule

• January 6, 2011 — At Rules Committee, Welch assails budget-busting health care repeal efforts

• January 5, 2011 — Welch and 63 House members file amendments to preserve key provisions of health care reform

• January 4, 2011 — At press roundtable, Welch announces plan to fight health care reform repeal

• January 4, 2011 — Video: "Welch outlines plans to defend health care reform against repeal efforts "

• January 4, 2011 — New York Times: "Congress to Return With G.O.P. Vowing to Alter Rules"

• January 4, 2011 — Video: "Welch defends health care reform on MSNBC's 'Last Word with Lawerence O'Donnell'"

• January 3, 2011 — Washington Post: "Dems playing rough on health reform?"

• January 3, 2011 — NPR: "GOP Sending Obama A Message On Health Repeal"

• December 21, 2010 — Announcement Regarding New Affordable Care Act Rules that Shed Light on High Health Insurance Rate Hikes

• November 22, 2010 — Announcement on New Medical Loss Ratio Regulations

• November 17, 2010 — Vt. Digger: "Vermont selected for federal health care project"

• November 16, 2010 — Vermont Picked for Project to Improve Patient Care

• November 12, 2010 — Medicare Announces Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration For Medicare Health Plans

• October 18, 2010 — VA Video Outreach Message Aimed at New Veterans

• October 15, 2010 — Welch calls for one-time $250 for seniors, long-term reform in response to today’s Social Security Admin. announcement

• October 8, 2010 — Health Care Law Invests in Vermont Primary Care

• September 27, 2010 — Photo Album: "Rep. Welch attends Community Health Center of Burlington Groundbreaking Ceremony"

• September 22, 2010 — CMS Announces 2011 Part D and Medicare Advantage Plan Options

• September 21, 2010 — Vermont delegation announces $1.1 million in funding for public health services

• September 20, 2010 — Welch announces new health care reform provisions at Springfield Hospital

• May 25, 2010 — Feingold introduces Welch Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act in Senate

• April 1, 2010 — Photo Album: "Welch discusses health care reform with Rutland medical providers"

• March 30, 2010 — Vermonters join Welch to discuss immediate benefits of health reform

• March 30, 2010 — Photo Album: "Vermonters join Welch to discuss immediate benefits of health reform"

• March 22, 2010 — Rutland Herald: "'A first step'"

• March 21, 2010 — Welch supports, House passes historic health care reform legislation

• March 20, 2010 — Burlington Free Press: "Welch lobbies for health care, calling legislation just a start"

• March 18, 2010 — Vermont Medicaid Solution In Health Reform Plan Will Mean Millions More For Vermont’s Medicaid Program

• March 11, 2010 — Rutland Herald: "Rep. Welch decries GOP stalling tactics"

• March 3, 2010 — Welch and 61 House members introduce prescription drug price negotiation bill

• February 24, 2010 — House votes to end health insurance industry anti-trust exemption

• February 24, 2010 — Bennington Banner: "Vermont Dems in favor of antitrust repeal"

• December 24, 2009 — Brattleboro Reformer: "Welch skeptical of health care reform"

• December 23, 2009 — Rutland Herald: "Welch vows to fight for changes to health bill"

• December 22, 2009 — VPR: "Welch Hopeful For Health Care Compromise"

• December 10, 2009 — Burlington Free Press: "Burlington health center gets $10.9M"

• December 9, 2009 — Community Health Center of Burlington Wins $11 Million for New Building

• December 2, 2009 — Burlington Free Press: "Unemployed could lose health insurance subsidies"

• November 20, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes bill to protect seniors’ access to doctors

• November 9, 2009 — Rutland Herald: "Welch defends health-care legislation"

• November 7, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch urges health reform ahead of House vote

• November 7, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes historic health care reform legislation

• November 5, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch speaks out for health care reform

• November 5, 2009 — Valley News: "Welch on Health Care, Again"

• November 3, 2009 — Burlington Free Press: "Vermont callers grill Welch on health care"

• November 2, 2009 — Audio: Health Care Telephone Town Hall

• October 22, 2009 — Welch announces breakthrough agreement in Medicare spending

• October 22, 2009 — Welch calls for end to health insurance industry’s anti-trust exemption

• October 21, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes HIV/AIDS funding bill

• October 21, 2009 — Burlington Free Press: "Let insurance cover kids to age 27, Welch says"

• October 20, 2009 — Video: Welch calls for legislation to allow young people to remain on their parents health insurance plan

• October 20, 2009 — Photo Album: Welch discusses health insurance for young people at Burlington press conference

• October 20, 2009 — Welch calls for legislation to allow young people to remain on their parents’ health insurance plan

• October 19, 2009 — Photo Album: Welch tours new Norwich University nursing facility

• October 18, 2009 — Rutland Herald: "Welch defends health care stance"

• October 18, 2009 — Valley News: "Welch Holds Health Care Forum"

• October 17, 2009 — Photo Album: Welch holds the second of two Congressional Forums on Health Care in White River Junction

• October 15, 2009 — Welch highlights Vermont cases at hearing about the underinsured

• October 10, 2009 — Photo Album: Welch holds the first of two Congressional Forums on Health Care in Williston

• October 7, 2009 — Momentum builds for Welch drug price negotiation measure

• October 3, 2009 — Rutland Herald: "Welch holds constituent conference call on issues"

• October 1, 2009 — Brattleboro Reformer: "Taking the lead"

• September 30, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch Discusses Health Care at Bennington Roundtable

• September 28, 2009 — Photo Album: "Rep. Welch Hears Concerns over Health Care Legislation at Bennington Roundtable"

• September 28, 2009 — Bennington Banner: "Welch: Medicare will remain intact"

• September 25, 2009 — Vermont Public Radio: "Welch backs legislation to freeze Medicare premiums"

• September 24, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch backs freezing Medicare premium increases

• September 24, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes bill to freeze Medicare premium increases for seniors

• September 16, 2009 — Seven Days: "The Man of the House: Peter Welch"

• September 15, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch debates Neil Cavuto on health care

• September 15, 2009 — Video: Rep. Peter Welch speaks out for health care reform

• September 9, 2009 — Welch responds to President Obama’s address

• September 3, 2009 — Welch gift ban would crack down on pharmaceutical marketing abuse

• July 31, 2009 — Welch amendment to cut senior drug prices passes

• July 31, 2009 — Welch supports, House committee passes health care reform bill

• July 28, 2009 — House passes, Welch supports legislation to help disabled veterans

• July 23, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch discusses health care reform on Fox Business

• July 23, 2009 — Welch offers amendment to require drug price negotiation for seniors

• July 17, 2009 — Video: Reps. Welch, Cooper debate health care on MSNBC

• July 16, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch delivers statement on health care reform

• July 15, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch discusses health care proposal on Fox Business

• June 24, 2009 — Video: Rep. Welch debates health care reform on Fox Business Channel

• June 23, 2009 — Welch to hold statewide health care reform Telephone Town Hall tonight

• June 23, 2009 — Welch initiatives incorporated into House health care reform bill

• June 18, 2009 — Welch, Pomeroy introduce legislation to reward value, not volume in health care delivery

• June 18, 2009 — Video: Reps. Welch, Pomeroy introduce health care legislation

• June 10, 2009 — Welch introduces bill creating public health insurance option

• May 18, 2009 — Welch unveils health care legislation based on Vermont model Monday in South Burlington

• May 11, 2009 — Welch announces $143,000 grant for Fletcher Allen sustainable food program

• April 6, 2009 — Welch seeks funding for 29 Vermont projects

• March 18, 2009 — Welch brings Vermont voices to budget hearing

• February 25, 2009 — Video: Rep. Peter Welch reacts to Obama's address to Congress

• February 4, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes SCHIP bill

• January 15, 2009 — Welch reacts to release of economic stimulus details

• January 14, 2009 — Welch supports, House passes SCHIP bill

• January 6, 2009 — Welch appointed to influential Energy and Commerce Committee

• August 18, 2008 — Vermont Delegation Hails Plan To Open New Rural Health Resource Center At The White River Junction VA Hospital

• July 31, 2008 — Welch provision on college affordability bill clears House

• July 21, 2008 — Welch announces funding for Springfield’s Southern Vermont Health and Recreation Center

• July 15, 2008 — Welch joins House in veto override, prevents devastating Medicare cut

• March 20, 2008 — House passes health care reform legislation

• March 3, 2008 — Welch discusses state’s nursing shortage, announces $341,000 for Norwich program

• January 28, 2008 — Welch responds to President Bush’s “State of the Union” address

• October 25, 2007 — House passes revised SCHIP bill

• October 18, 2007 — President’s misguided veto of children’s health care holds

• October 15, 2007 — Oversight report reveals high costs of Medicare Part D drug program

• October 3, 2007 — Vt. Delegation REAX to President Bush’s Veto of SCHIP

• September 25, 2007 — VT. Delegation Announces VERMONT BREAKTHROUGHS For Children's Health Insurance In SCHIP Bill

• September 20, 2007 — Cong. Delegation Blasts President Bush’s Veto Threat of SCHIP

• August 29, 2007 — Vermont delegation asks Bush Administration to revisit decision that prevents full implementation of Catamount Health Care program

• August 21, 2007 — Welch calls Bush effort cut to children’s health care ‘morally misguided’

• August 6, 2007 — Children, senior, and physician reps join Welch to highlight health care expansion

• August 1, 2007 — Welch supports health care expansion to millions of low-income children, prevents cut in fees for Vt physicians, expands Medicare services for seniors

• July 30, 2007 — Welch supports House Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

• July 20, 2007 — Welch secures funding to expand Norwich nursing program by fifty-percent

• July 19, 2007 — House passes Welch amendment saving Vermonters millions in health care costs

• June 6, 2007 — Welch, Wilson introduce bill to fight homelessness

• May 24, 2007 — Welch legislation to improve rural veteran care passes House

• March 28, 2007 — Welch veterans amendment passes House

• March 1, 2007 — Welch continues effort to assure veteran care, 43 freshman join call for GAO assessment, co-sponsors Wounded Warriors Act

• February 26, 2007 — Welch visits Colchester veterans' clinic, announces Oversight hearing of Walter Reed

• February 21, 2007 — Welch calls for investigation of Walter Reed outpatient care

• January 12, 2007 — Welch calls for Medicare Part D reform, ending special interest hand-out

• January 1, 2007 — The Affordable Health Care for America Act

• May 10, 2001 — Providing Healthcare for All