U.S. Congressman Yakym questions HHS Secretary Kennedy on healthcare costs, rural access, and innovation

Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) questioned Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Ways and Means Committee hearing examining HHS priorities and the department's ongoing efforts to reduce healthcare costs, expand access and innovation, and combat fraud.

"Healthcare is top of mind for Hoosiers, and I regularly hear concerns about cost, quality, and access to care,” Rep. Yakym said. “I appreciate Secretary Kennedy's commitment to addressing these issues and look forward to continuing to work with the administration to deliver results for Hoosiers across Indiana’s Second District."

During the hearing, Rep. Yakym pressed Secretary Kennedy on HHS efforts to combat fraud and improper payments, steps the department is taking to protect individuals truly in need, and policies to expand access to healthcare innovation. Rep. Yakym also highlighted Indiana's $209.6 million share of the Rural Health Transformation Initiative, a $500 billion investment in rural healthcare included in the Working Families Tax Cuts that President Trump and House Republicans enacted to address healthcare shortages and improve health outcomes in underserved communities.

Additionally, Rep. Yakym raised a bipartisan letter he and Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01) are leading to Secretary Kennedy and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz, urging improved Medicare coverage for breakthrough medical devices. Ensuring seniors have access to the best available treatments and diagnostics is a priority for Rep. Yakym, who looks forward to working with the administration to advance the issue.