2024: Fitzpatrick Voted To Ban The Quality-Adjusted Life Years Measure
Under Federal Health Care Programs. In February 2024, Fitzpatrick
voted for , according to Congressional Quarterly, "the bill, as amended,
that would prohibit the use of quality-adjusted life years and similar
measures when determining coverage and payment for treatments under
federal health care programs, including Medicaid and the Children's
Health Insurance Program. It would specify that federal agencies should
not treat extending the life of an elderly, disabled or terminally ill
person as being worth less than extending the life of a younger,
non-disabled or not terminally-ill person. It also would prohibit
Medicaid managed care organizations and Medicare Advantage plans from
using quality adjusted life years measurements to make coverage
decisions and policies. The bill's provisions would be effective on Jan.
1, 2025." The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote
of 211 to 208. [House Vote 40,
2/7/24; Congressional
Quarterly, 2/7/24;
Congressional Actions, H.R.
485]