TL/DR –
A U.S. House Ways and Means Committee hearing was held in an active laboratory in Salt Lake City, featuring presentations by Utah companies showcasing scientific innovation. The hearing included discussion on whether the Inflation Reduction Act will improve affordability of health care and how treatment can be extended to reach rural areas. Concerns were raised over the act’s potentially negative impact on pharmaceutical research and development, with Kelvyn Cullimore, CEO of BioUtah, warning it could cause a “chilling effect”.
U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Holds Field Hearing in Salt Lake City
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee recently held a hearing not in its usual Washington, D.C. location but in a Salt Lake City laboratory. Republican Utah Rep. Blake Moore, a strong advocate for Utah’s capabilities, hosted the event.
Throughout the day, the state showcased its scientific prowess with over a dozen companies presenting their latest innovations, from Blackrock Neurotech’s advanced medical devices to Huntsman Cancer Institute’s rural health care initiatives.
The hearing primarily focused on the potential impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act on health care affordability and access to treatment in isolated areas.
Utah Representatives Unite for Field Hearing
Representatives Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy joined Moore for the discussion in the University of Utah’s ARUP labs. They presented the realities of rural health care challenges, from costly medication to lack of accessible pharmacies.
Utah as a Hub for Medical Research
Kelvyn Cullimore, CEO of BioUtah, provided insights into Utah’s growing life sciences industry. The state is the third-fastest-growing life science community in the U.S., leading in areas such as COVID-19 testing and medical equipment manufacturing.
The Impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Healthcare Innovation
Cullimore discussed the potential repercussions of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 on pharmaceutical research and development. He highlighted potential disincentives for drug manufacturers due to reduced profits as one of the adverse effects.
Improving Rural Utah’s Access to Advanced Healthcare
Another focal point of the hearing was enhancing health care provision in rural areas. The assistant director for the Utah Center for Rural Health, Kasey Shakespeare, shared personal experiences of traveling long distances for specialized medical care.
Cullimore suggested the federal government could further support Utah’s life sciences through tax credits for research and development and streamlining regulatory barriers for quicker product market entry.
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