SAC Health, a teaching health center in San Bernardino, hosted Rep. Pete Aguilar and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, to highlight investments made by Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration to make health care more affordable and equitable in the Inland Empire.
SAN BERNARDINO, CA — APRIL 8, 2024 CA On Friday, April 5, SAC Health, a health center that serves Medi-Cal and Medicare patients, hosted Rep. Pete Aguilar and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra as they brought attention to the investments and progress to make health care more affordable and equitable, specifically in the Inland Empire.
Secretary Becerra and Rep. Pete Aguilar were welcomed to SAC Health with an hour-long visit that started with a tour of the clinics, a fire-side chat, and a visit to the clinic pharmacy. Rep. Pete Aguilar moderated the chat where Secretary Becerra and Dr. Jason Lohr both weighed in on the importance of federal funding in support of communities that serve a population that may not otherwise have essential healthcare, including support for better health outcomes for Latinos in the region.
“As an FQHC health center, SAC Health provides healthcare and support to the most vulnerable in our community,” Jason Lohr, SAC Health, CEO noted. “For over a decade, with the help of Rep. Pete Aguilar, he has helped secure over 85 million dollars of HHS grant funds that have supported our programs such as our medical mobile clinic, residency training through our Teaching Health Center funding, HIV care, and Medication Assisted Treatment clinic grants. We look forward to his continued support that will allow us to provide quality healthcare to those who need it the most.”
The pharmacy visit marked a celebration of the Inflation Reduction Act and its success in bringing down prescription drug costs. Rep. Pete Aguilar noted that, “while we celebrate these victories, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Far too many hardworking residents pay too much for prescription drugs and access to basic medical care. I am committed to continue pushing to lower costs and improve health care access in the Inland Empire.”
Secretary Becerra’s visit was commended for bringing focus to the area’s local healthcare needs and his ongoing support that allows wider access to Medi-Cal and capping the cost of insulin, which has lowered other prescription medication costs. “Here in San Bernadino, and across the country, accessible, high-quality health care is being recognized as a right for all, and not just a privilege for the wealthy. Finally, more families than ever in California have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they have coverage,” said Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In 2022, Rep. Aguilar helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped the cost of insulin at $35/month for Medicare enrollees and lowered insurance premiums for those enrolled through the Affordable Care Act.
