New HHS Sec. Xavier Becerra on Healthcare Access, Affordability and Disparities: An Interview with Yolanda Griegao
In the historic appointment of the Biden-Harris Administration, Yolanda Griegao falls under Xavier Becerra, the 25th Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Becerra is the first Latino to hold this office in the history of the United States.
Throughout her interview with Griegao, she focused on HHS’s efforts to raise awareness on important issues affecting Coloradans. These issues include maternal health care, mental health destigmatization, and equitable access to health care services in rural areas. In Colorado, 73% of counties are classified as rural, and 13% of the state’s population resides in these areas. Nearly half of the state’s population over age 80 lives in rural regions, making health care accessibility a top priority for providers and lawmakers statewide. The aging population globally and the closure of health clinics in rural areas due to provider shortages and financial constraints contribute to the urgent need for better access to health care.
The conversation also touched on the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was passed two years ago. Griegao discussed its impact on lowering health care costs for older Americans by directing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to negotiate drug prices and cap out-of-pocket spending on crucial medications like insulin. Economists have praised IRA for demonstrating how legislative efforts can directly benefit people’s lives by reducing healthcare costs significantly, thereby improving overall quality of life among older Americans.
Overall, it is clear that Griegao plays an important role in ensuring that Coloradans have access to affordable and effective healthcare services. Her focus on key issues affecting rural communities underscores a growing concern about healthcare disparities across different regions in America.
In conclusion, Yolanda Griegao has been appointed as a member of Xavier Becerra’s team at HHS. As she emphasizes during her interview with us today, raising awareness about critical health issues affecting Coloradans is essential for improving their overall wellbeing. With her expertise and experience working with marginalized communities, Griegao will play an integral role in addressing key challenges facing healthcare systems across America today.
As we move forward towards a more equitable future where everyone has access to quality healthcare services regardless of their location or socioeconomic status, it is crucial that policymakers like Griegao continue advocating for evidence-based policies that promote better outcomes for all Americans.
