On December 12, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. The bill seeks to lower prescription drug prices by allowing the government to negotiate with drug manufacturers. Of note to those interested in home visiting was the inclusion in the measure of Representative Danny Davis’ (D-IL) request to dramatically increase funding for The bill doubles our investment in the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program.

MIECHV is a critical source of funding for home visiting efforts in Colorado and throughout the country.

According to Representative Davis:

The bill doubles our investment in the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program (or MIECHV), a proven tool to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.  Currently, MIECHV only serves about 150,000 of the estimated 18 million expectant and new parents who could benefit from its help. By doubling the federal investment in home visiting over two years, we would make it possible for more communities to address the root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. In addition, H.R. 3 would quadruple the federal investment in home visiting in American Indian communities. Native American women are 4.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth complications, but only 23 of 425 eligible tribes receive any federal home visiting support under current law.  The promise of this provision is reflected by its support by over 450 state, local, and national organizations.