The Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act (H.R. 5748) was re-introduced as H.R. 1441, on June 15, 2009

H.R. 1441, the Ryan Dant Health Care Opportunity Act of 2009, is now bipartisan, being introduced by Congressman Kenny Marchant (R-TX) and Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO), and as of June 15th, has 25 co-sponsors. However, we cannot stop here. We must continue to secure co-sponsors, both Democrat and Republican. To recap this legislation, it would allow a state program option for individuals that suffer from super expensive prescription drug costs. This is similar to legislation that was introduced in the 110th Congress, H.R. 5748. This state option would allow individuals already on Medicaid that have prescription drug costs of $200,000 a year or above, to hold employment and be productive members of society.

In discussing legislation with individuals on Capitol Hill, we have found that the legislative offices would much prefer to receive email or use online forms regarding various legislation. In order to provide you with the appropriate information, we have put together a list of the legislators on the Health Subcommittee, which includes either their email addresses or their web addresses. If their web address is listed, just click "contact me" form. Also, we have included a list of co-sponsors on both of these bills. If you don't see your state legislators on the co-sponsor lists, please email them and urge them to support both very important pieces of legislation, by co-sponsoring. All of this information may also be found at THOMAS.gov.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please call me at (800)504-3189, or email me at rhonda@gaucherdisease.org. I appreciate so much everything that has been done and I thank you in advance for your help with this legislation that affects the Gaucher community, as well, as, other disease communities.