Capito Praises Passage of Lifesaving Medical Innovation Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) voted to pass the bipartisan 21^st Century Cures Act, which makes better health possible for nearly every American. The bill passed on a 94-5 vote and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“The 21^st Century Cures Act provides major funding to prevent and treat opioid addiction, advances lifesaving medical research, makes needed reforms to the Food and Drug Administration, and improves the mental health system. It also includes legislation I introduced to help the millions of Americans experiencing eating disorders, and it increases funding for Alzheimer’s research - a disease that is close to my heart. This bill will touch nearly every American household, including those in West Virginia who have been affected by the opioid epidemic and other health challenges,” said Senator Capito.

Key provisions of the 21^st Century Cures Act: 

• Provides $1 billion in state grants over two years to fight the opioid abuse epidemic. Funding will supplement state activities, such as improving prescription drug monitoring programs, implementing prevention activities, training for health care providers and expanding access to opioid treatment and recovery programs. Priority for these grants will be given to states with the highest need such as West Virginia.

• Advances lifesaving medical research by creating the National Institutes of Health Innovation Projects. This includes $1.8 billion to support the cancer “moonshot,” and $1.5 billion to treat, prevent and cure disorders like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury through the BRAIN Initiative.

• Makes needed reforms at the Food and Drug Administration to improve the regulatory processes associated with new emerging therapies and move drugs and medical devices to patients more quickly, while maintaining the same standard for safety and effectiveness.

• Improves and strengthens America’s mental health system by elevating mental health issues within federal health agencies, creating new grant programs for community-based mental health care, expanding the type of inpatient treatment services that may be paid for by Medicaid, and providing greater federal oversight of insurance companies to ensure that mental health coverage in insurance plans is equivalent to the benefits provided for physical health coverage. One in five American adults suffers from a mental illness, but nearly 60 percent aren’t getting the treatment they need. The 21^st Century Cures Act will ensure greater access to mental health services.

• Includes provisions of the Anna Westin Act, which Senator Capito introduced to help combat eating disorders. These provisions will expand access to treatment while enhancing awareness and prevention efforts.

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