Jefferson Reporter

Representative Gary Palmer has reintroduced the Prevent Racism in Medicare Act (PRIMA) to combat racially discriminatory policies within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and ensure equal treatment for all Americans. The bill aims to prevent healthcare providers from being forced to adhere to HHS policies that incentivize Critical Race Theory and divide patients along racial lines.

In a statement, Rep. Palmer emphasized the importance of equality in healthcare, stating, "All Americans should be treated the same by their doctors, regardless of race, and the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements should not be impacted one way or the other." He expressed concern that the HHS rule incentivizes divisive ideologies and erodes confidence in institutions, and his bill aims to prevent the implementation of such destructive ideologies.

The Prevent Racism in Medicare Act has garnered support from other representatives, including Rep. Michael Cloud, Rep. Tom Tiffany, and Rep. Andy Biggs, who cosponsored the bill. These representatives recognize the need to protect patients from discrimination and ensure that healthcare remains focused on providing quality care to all individuals.

The bill addresses a provision in the CY 2022 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule that offers financial incentives to doctors who create and implement anti-racism plans. This provision requires doctors to review existing tools and policies to ensure they align with a commitment to anti-racism. However, Rep. Palmer argues that this provision diverts attention from addressing Medicare's insolvency and improving senior care and instead promotes the divisive agenda of the Biden Administration.

By introducing PRIMA, Rep. Palmer aims to prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services from rewarding providers for engaging in activities related to anti-racism. The bill seeks to protect doctors and patients from the imposition of identity politics in medicine and ensure that healthcare remains accessible and equitable for all.

Several outside groups have expressed their support for the Prevent Racism in Medicare Act. Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, commended Rep. Palmer for fighting against the administration's efforts to introduce divisive and discriminatory ideas into the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Goldfarb emphasized that healthcare should prioritize accessibility for all patients, without pushing doctors to prioritize some over others based on ideology.

Saul Anuzis, President of 60 Plus, highlighted the potential compromise of medical decisions for Medicare patients, particularly senior citizens, if the bill is not passed. Anuzis emphasized that the increased Medicare reimbursement rate based on a patient's ethnic background could undermine the quality of care and medical decisions.

In conclusion, Representative Gary Palmer's introduction of the Prevent Racism in Medicare Act aims to address racially discriminatory policies within the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill seeks to ensure equal treatment for all patients and protect doctors from being forced to adhere to divisive ideologies. With support from fellow representatives and outside groups, Rep. Palmer hopes to prevent the implementation of destructive ideologies in healthcare and uphold the principles of equality and accessibility for all Americans.